London Rathayatra
2026-05-24 12:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Hyde park Corner, Hyde park Corner, London, W2 2UH, United Kingdom
Sunday 24 May 2026

“Ratha-yatra” means “chariot festival”. This celebration has been held every year for hundreds of years at Jagannatha Puri, in Orissa on India’s east coast. There, three huge chariots, carrying the Deity forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, are pulled by hand through the city streets amid loud musical performances. Millions of pilgrims come to the festival in Orissa. Jagannatha is a special and very merciful form of Krishna.
Ratha-yatra is the biggest street festival sponsored by ISKCON – and ends with a delicious, sanctified vegetarian feast. It is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krishna all over the world and was introduced to the West by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1967 in San Franscisco. The Ratha-yatra festivals are held at several different places across the country, the biggest in London.
The London procession starts from Park Lane and goes through Piccadilly and Haymarket and finally arrives at Trafalgar Square, where festivities continue till the evening. Drama, dance, philosophy and a feast are the highlights.
London Rathayatra will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026 (www.rathayatra.co.uk)
Please be aware of the Amber Heat-health Alert for London on Rathayatra Day
We advise that you wear suitable clothes and maintain hydration. At Trafagar Square, Free water is available near the Information Point.

Schedule

12pm – Ratha-yatra parade starts at Park Lane junction with Piccadilly, heading for Trafalgar Square
2-5pm – Trafalgar Square – Kirtan, Dance, Prasad

Frequently asked questions

How do I get there?

Coming by Train & Tube
From any of the main London railway stations come on the Piccadilly Line and get off at Hyde Park Corner.
National Rail Enquiries for rail information.
Coming by Road
Parking on Sunday is OK on single yellow lines in Westminster or you can stay safe with the NCP car parks. There is one just north of Trafalgar Square. Please remember there is no parking at the assembly point in Hyde Park nor any at Trafalgar Square.
The AA main routes and parking information. The procession assembles just on the park lane junction near hyde park station. You will clearly spot the three colourful carts as you approach. There are three or four kirtan (singing and instrument) sections, each with dancers. You can pull the ropes on the cart (which bestows liberation) but please follow the instructions of stewards and staff. The cart leaves Hyde Park promptly at mid-day and arrives at Trafalgar Square around 2.30pm. This can feel like a long journey on a hot day and a OAP van is provided at the rear of the procession for the infirm. Bring a bottle of water to refresh yourself along the way.

Preview from previous festivals

Watford Rathayatra
2026-07-18 11:00 - 14:00 | Watford Town Centre, Watford, United Kingdom
Saturday 18 July 2026 – Watford

Procession in the Park | Kirtan, Music, Dance, Bouncy Castle for Kids, Stalls
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.
Start point – 11am: Watford High Street (by the pond), followed by procession into Cassiobury Park
End point: Cassiobury Park Bandstand
Free vegetarian feast served at 2pm

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning and origin behind the Festival of Chariots / Ratha Yatra?

‘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.

Who is Lord Jagannatha?

Lord Jagannatha, known as the Lord of the Universe, is a wooden form of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

What will you be singing on the day?

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.

Can anyone attend?

Yes, this is free and open to everyone. Tell a friend, bring your family, or come on your own.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami
2026-09-04, 2026-09-06 | Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD258EZ, United Kingdom
Fri 4 & Sun 6 Sept 2026 | Free ticket required for entry
Ticket release date: Tues 25 Aug 2026 at 12pm (noon)
Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the appearance day of Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The birth of Lord Krishna is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, celebrated all over the world.
Krishna means “the all-attractive one”. He is the cause of all causes, the Supreme personality of the entire creation, both material and spiritual, He is the God of all gods, and the Lord within everything and separate from everything at the same time. This is the day devotees celebrate His beautiful pastimes, His presence in their lives, taking time to remember their eternal loving relationship with Him and His presence within all of our hearts.

Click here for details and ticket information

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Dussehra (Festival)
2026-10-25 | Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD258EZ, United Kingdom
Sun 25 October 2026 – Free ticket required for entry
Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Ramachandra over Ravana during the battle in Lanka. This pastime appears in the great epic Ramayana. The word Dussehra comes from the word `dus` meaning `ten’ and `hara`, meaning `annihilated`, referring to the destruction of the ten-headed Ravana.

Schedule
Free ticket required
Full schedule and timings TBC

FAQ

Why do I need a ticket?

A ticket is required to enter the site on Sun 25 Oct 2026
– By booking your time slot, this helps us create a better and smoother experience for you, with shorter queues and more space to participate in the festival.
– Reduces heavy traffic in the surrounding area, making it easier for you to attend and creates less disruption for locals and non festival-goers.
– Helps us to be less wasteful, as we can prepare appropriate quantities of resources and prasadam (sanctified food).

What are the ticket times?

A ticket will be required for entry between 2pm-6pm. Without a ticket between these times we will not be able to let you in.

Do children need tickets?

Tickets are not required for children under 5.

What happens if I arrive without a ticket?

In order to enter Bhaktivedanta Manor on this day, a ticket is required. Without a ticket you will not be let in.

How long can I stay?

You are welcome to stay and enjoy the festivities for as long as you like. Your ticket time only relates to your arrival time.

What if I arrive earlier / later than my booked arrival time?

If you arrive 30 mins before or after your booked arrival time, then you will still be allowed entry. Any earlier than that, we may ask you to please come back later, closer to your booked time. Any later than that, we will try our best to accommodate you, but it may not be possible to allow entry due to limited parking. Please arrive as close to your booked arrival time as possible.

Accessibility Information

Disabled Access for the Burning of Ravana

Please note that the Burning of the effigy of Ravana will take place in the fields, and the terrain could be muddy and bumpy. There will be no buggies available.

Is there parking available for wheelchair users?

When arriving, please make your requirement for wheelchair accessibility known to the car park volunteers. They will do their best to direct you to an area closer to the temple site and with a smoother surface to navigate.

Is there special parking available if you are a disabled badge holder, elderly, or pregnant?

We are unable to facilitate a special parking area, given the amount of guests and cars we are catering for, however please speak to one of our car park volunteers upon arrival and they will try and park you as close as possible.

Do I need a ticket if I arrive by walking or taxi?

Yes, a ticket is still required even if you walk to the Temple or get a taxi.

How can I cancel tickets?

If you are unable to attend, please cancel your tickets so others can join. Visit https://krishnatemple.link/cancel to see how you can cancel your tickets.

If you are having trouble cancelling the tickets, please email us at ticket@krishnatemple.com and we’d be happy to do it for you. Similarly, if any family members also have tickets that they won’t be using, please let us know so that we can cancel their ticket and make it available to others.

Queries not answered on this page

Queries not answered on this page
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Diwali (Festival)
2026-11-08 | Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD258EZ, United Kingdom
Diwali festival

Sun 8 Nov 2026
Free ticket required for entry
Note: There will be no fireworks on this day
For more information about Diwali, FAQ’s, Shuttle Services and to book your tickets, please click the buttons below

Information & Tickets

Donations

To mark this auspicious occasion of Diwali, many wonderful arrangements are being made to celebrate at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Many thousands of pilgrims will be coming to celebrate this special occasion. Please support this year’s festival with your heartfelt contribution.

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Annakuta / Govardhana-puja
