MARGAO
Margao will host the fourth Grand Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 16, with ISKCON Margao organising the annual spiritual procession in association with the Directorate of Art and Culture and Hari Mandir.
The annual Rath Yatra, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated spiritual festivals, commemorates the divine journey of Lord Jagannath (Shri Krishna), Lord Balabhadra (Balarama) and Devi Subhadra (the divine sister of Krishna).
The festivities will commence from the New Hari Mandir, Pajifond, Margao, where the beautifully decorated chariot carrying the deities will be ceremonially flagged off at 5 pm by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat in the presence of Goa BJP President Damu Naik and Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, along with other dignitaries, devotees and well-wishers.
Hari Mandir Temple President Suhas Kamat said that the Margao Jagannath Rath Yatra has been held for the past three consecutive years by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Margao Centre and is now eagerly awaited by devotees and the people of Goa. He noted that such spiritual festivals not only strengthen the cultural and devotional fabric of society but also showcase Goa as a destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, attracting visitors from across India and abroad.
ISKCON Margao member Suhrdh Madhav Prabhu said that the ISKCON Margao Centre, located next to Borkar Hospital, Comba, conducts regular spiritual and educational programmes every Friday and Saturday evening, centred on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Rath Yatra procession will begin from the New Hari Mandir, Pajifond, travel through the New Market, Municipal Square and the Post Office in Margao, and return to the Hari Mandir temple premises, spreading the message of peace, compassion and devotion. ISKCON Margao extended a cordial invitation to all residents of Goa and visitors to participate in this grand spiritual celebration with their families and friends and seek the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath.
