Rath Yatra — the Festival of Chariots — is observed at the Radha Krishna temple within CR Park’s Kali Mandir complex every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. In 2026 it falls on July 16.
The Observance
Unlike the massive Rath Yatra processions of Puri or Kolkata, CR Park’s celebration is a community-scale devotional event. The morning begins with a special puja dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. Priests conduct the rituals while devotees gather in the temple courtyard for bhajan and kirtan — devotional songs accompanied by harmonium and tabla.
Procession and Prasad
In some years a small decorated rath (chariot) is pulled through the nearby lanes of CR Park by devotees, recreating the spirit of the Puri Rath Yatra on a neighbourhood scale. The procession is accompanied by chanting and the sound of conch shells. After the puja and procession, prasad — typically khichuri and sweets — is distributed to all attendees.
Practical Tips
- Arrive by 7:00 AM for the main puja; the event concludes by late morning
- Dress modestly as this is a devotional temple event
- July weather — carry an umbrella as this falls during the Delhi monsoon season
- Parking — use the Kali Mandir parking area; the event does not cause major traffic disruption