People Throng ISKCON ‘s Golden Jubilee Ratha-yatra In Los Angeles

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA -Thousands of devotees and visitors lined the streets of Santa Monica and Venice on August 2 as ISKCON New Dwaraka celebrated the 50th anniversary of its annual Ratha-yatra, marking the Golden Jubilee of one of Southern California’s longest-running Indian cultural festivals.

The anniversary celebration drew devotees from around the world for the procession honoring Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra. The one-mile parade culminated at the Venice Boardwalk, where thousands sang, danced, pulled the towering chariots and took part in the day-long festival.

The Golden Jubilee was recognized by both the State of California and the City of Santa Monica. The California Legislature presented ISKCON New Dwaraka with a Certificate of Recognition, while Santa Monica designated the 2026 Ratha-yatra a “Signature Event” and waived all pending permit fees for the anniversary festival.

The legislative certificate honored the organization “upon its 50th Annual Festival of the Chariots (Ratha-yatra), celebrating five decades of service and cultural contribution to the Los Angeles community.” It noted that since 1977 the festival “has brought together thousands of residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds through music, dance, cultural traditions and sharing free vegetarian meals,” and recognized it as “one of the longest-running Indian cultural festivals in Southern California,” promoting community engagement, cultural appreciation and interfaith goodwill.

India’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, congratulated ISKCON during remarks from the main stage, while four television news channels covered the parade and festival.

The procession was led by a large assembly of priests under the direction of Vaisesika dasa, chanting Vedic hymns from the Brahma-Samhita and other prayers. A 12-member marching band performing Hare Krishna melodies, groups of traditional dancers, and kirtan singers preceded the three elaborately decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra.

Despite the summer heat, participants continued chanting and singing throughout the route. As the chariots made their way along Main Street, Rose Avenue and onto the Ocean Front Walk, the crowds grew into the thousands, with devotees and spectators joining in the procession, pulling the chariots, dancing, singing and photographing the event.

At the festival site, devotional music, Bharatanatyam performances, educational exhibits, yoga demonstrations and children’s activities continued throughout the day. A historical slideshow traced the origins of the Los Angeles Ratha-yatra through photographs from its inaugural 1977 celebration.

Organizers also distributed a five-course prasadam meal to approximately 7,000 people during the festival.