Today, the atmosphere at Shri Shri Krishna Balaram Temple is filled with devotion and excitement as preparations for the annual Rath Yatra, organized by the Hare Krishna Movement, are in full swing. This grand event is witnessing participation from thousands of devotees from across Jaipur, all eager to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
The chief guest for the Rath Yatra is former state president Shri Arun Chaturvedi from the Bharatiya Janata Party. The magnificent procession commences at 6:00 PM from Jaipur Hotel near the Collectorate Circle. The route includes Khasa Kothi Pulia, Government Hostel Chauraha (MI Road), Panch Batti Circle, Ajmeri Gate, and concludes at Shiv Satsang Bhavan via Albert Hall Museum Road, at around 8:15 PM.
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra grace the hydraulic chariot, beautifully adorned with flowers and vibrant lights, as they set out to bless the devotees in the Pink City. Leading the procession is Sri Gaur Nitai, followed by thousands of devotees who are pulling the chariot with their hands, singing the Lord’s praises to the accompaniment of kartals and mridangas, and dancing joyfully. The entire city resonates with the sound of Mahasankirtan.
During the procession, devotees are being offered prasadam and fruits. Temple president Shri Amitasan Das emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Rath Yatra, stating that anyone who sees Lord Jagannath on his chariot will be liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Moreover, those who pull the chariot will have their sins absolved. He urges all residents of Jaipur to join the Rath Yatra in large numbers to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath and make the event a grand success.