- This event has passed.
Watford Rathayatra
July 1, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free
Saturday 1 July 2023 – Watford High Street & Cassiobury Park
The Festival of Chariots, also known as ‘Ratha Yatra’ is an ancient tradition of procession that takes place around the world, originating in India. Filled with singing, dancing, colour, and spirituality, it is a joyous occasion for all that attend.
Free and with something for everyone – Fun for the family, philosophy for the spiritual-seeker, singing & dancing for the expressive soul, and a free delicious vegetarian meal for all the public.
Schedule
10am
Harinam (Procession) starts at 10am at the Atria Watford entrance by Metro Bank (High Street)
11am – 4pm
Procession with the Chariot will go from and around Cassiobury Park, finishing at the Bandstand with a feast and kirtan (starting at Rickmansworth Road entrance to the Park)
Frequently asked questions
‘Ratha Yatra’ literally translates as ‘Chariot Festival’. It is an extraordinary festival that originates in Jagannatha Puri on the east coast of India and dates back over 2,000 years.
Krishna, in His most merciful form as Lord Jagannatha, is pulled along on a large wooden cart. Lord Jagannatha is present along with His brother, Baladeva and sister, Subhadra.
At the end of the procession, there is a big gathering of devotees with feasting, stalls and spiritual entertainment.
Lord Jagannatha, known as the Lord of the Universe, is a wooden form of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Primarily the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra will be sung:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
The mantra is most commonly translated as, “O Lord, O Energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your service.” It was popularized in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and spread worldwide in the late twentieth century by Srila Prabhupada and his followers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Yes, this is free and open to everyone. Tell a friend, bring your family, or come on your own.