Rathayatra Festival of Chariots

Leicester Welcomes the Colourful Rathayatra – Festival of Chariots

Leicester’s city centre will burst into colour, music, and spiritual celebration as the Rathayatra – Festival of Chariots returns this year, inviting the entire community to join in a joyful cultural experience.

The inauguration will commence at 11.30am in the presence of city leaders, and traditional Hindu performances.

Organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the Rathayatra Festival is one of the oldest and most vibrant street festivals originating in India. Leicester’s version has become a beloved annual event that attracts thousands of participants and onlookers from across the UK and beyond.

The festival features a majestic hand-pulled 40ft chariot carrying the magnificent deities of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), his brother Baladeva, and sister Subhadra from the City Centre, along the Golden Mile, and into Cossington Park, accompanied by a lively procession of music, dance, and devotion.