Nagpur: The sound of cymbals, chants of “Hare Krishna” and the sight of brightly decorated chariots turned Saturday afternoon into a deeply spiritual experience, as thousands joined the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON Nagpur.Starting from Dosar Vaishya Square at noon, the procession slowly made its way through the city, drawing people out of homes, shops and sidewalks. Children waved, elders folded hands, and many walked alongside the chariots, singing and clapping in unison. For many, it was not just a religious event but a moment of connection.“Every year, this feels like a personal blessing,” said Priya Jagnade, a devotee who walked the entire route. “You don’t have to go to the temple today, the Lord comes to you.”The Rath Yatra, held in Nagpur for nearly 30 years, has grown into a shared celebration of faith. “It’s no longer just a ritual,” said Radha Raman Bihari Das, an ISKCON official. “It is about bringing people together through devotion, service and love. Seeing such great participation every year is truly very heartening,” he added.The presence of Loknath Swami Maharaj added to the spiritual fervour, with hundreds gathering in the evening to listen to his discourse on the significance of the Rath Yatra. The procession concluded at Nakshatra Hall in Empress City, where the ‘mahaprasad’ was served to thousands.
