ISKCON Margao brings the spirit of Puri to Goa

NIDHI NAIK

The streets of Margao are set to come alive with colour, music, and deep spiritual fervour. On Friday, June 27, 2025, at 5 pm, ISKCON Margao will host the fourth annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a festival that brings the divine energy of Puri’s grand tradition to the heart of South Goa.

With chants of “Hare Krishna” and cries of “Jai Jagannath” filling the air, thousands of devotees are expected to gather in celebration.

Know what all you can experience at a Goan 'jatra'

This much-anticipated event features a well-decorated rath (chariot) carrying Lord Jagannath, his brother Baladeva, and sister Subhadra, beginning their sacred journey from the newly constructed Hari Mandir in Pajifond.

The procession winds its way past the old Hari Mandir, the iconic MMC Garden, and along Radha Valaulikar Road, before returning to its starting point.

Regardless of the weather, be it rain, wind, or thunder, devotees joyfully pull the chariot’s ropes, believing that even a single glimpse of the Lord or a touch of the rath can wash away lifetimes of sin.

This much-anticipated event features a well-decorated rath (chariot) carrying Lord Jagannath, his brother Baladeva, and sister Subhadra, beginning their sacred journey from the newly constructed Hari Mandir in Pajifond.

“This rath yatra is possible only because of the mercy of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON,” says Her Grace Sundari Nayika Mataji, a senior mentor and key organiser.

“He envisioned the rath yatra being celebrated globally, and under the guidance of His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj, we began this humble offering in Goa.”

Celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha, the Jagannath Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Krishna, alongside his siblings.

Sundari Nayika Mataji, senior mentor and key organiser, ISKCON, MargaoThis rath yatra is possible only because of the mercy of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON

The deities, with their large eyes and unique forms, symbolise a moment of divine separation from Vrindavan, Krishna’s childhood home. The festivities begin with Snan Yatra, a ritual bathing ceremony after which the deities “fall ill” and rest in seclusion for 14 days. “This is described as the world’s first quarantine,” Mataji shares with a smile

Once recovered, the Lord returns to give darshan to all, including non-Hindus, who are usually not allowed inside the Jagannath temple. This act of inclusion makes the rath yatra one of the most spiritually accessible and compassionate festivals in the Vaishnava tradition.

BLESSINGS BESTOWED: Jagannath Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Krishna, alongside his siblings.

As in Puri, the three deities are carried out in a grand Pahandi procession—a slow, rhythmic dance by devotees that leads the Lordships to their chariots.

ISKCON Margao’s Rath Yatra mirrors many rituals of the original Puri festival. Before the Yatra begins, 108 bhogas (varieties of food) are offered to the Lord and a traditional arti is performed.

Her Grace Karunamayi Radha Mataji, another devoted organiser, brings her personal deities to participate. “It fills me with joy to see my Lord on the chariot, showering mercy on everyone,” she shares.

ARRIVAL OF THE LORD: The rath yatra of Lord Jagannath on the streets of Margao held in 2024.

Once the procession concludes, free Mahaprasadam, sanctified food offered to the Lord, is served to all attendees. Behind the scenes, weeks of preparation go into crafting this one-day celebration: building the rath, arranging logistics, preparing food, and coordinating permissions, often in the face of pouring rain and limited resources. Yet ISKCON youth volunteers and devotees carry out every task as seva, or loving service.

Know this quite sanctuary above Margao city's chaos

His Grace Sandeep Krishna Prabhuji, Devotee Leader at ISKCON Margao, sums it up: “Everyone may not be able to travel to Puri, but Lord Jagannath comes to Margao so that His mercy reaches you. Don’t miss this chance. Come, witness, and participate.”

FESTIVE FERVOUR: Devotees pulling the Rath with devotion last year.

This rath yatra isn’t just a festival, it’s a spiritual celebration, an act of collective devotion, and a growing tradition in Goa. As the chariot rolls through Margao’s rain-washed streets, it carries with it not just deities but the hopes, prayers, and joy of an entire community.

Pull the ropes. Chant the holy names. Receive the Lord’s blessings. This June, let Margao’s rath yatra move your heart.