This year, the city of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, India, saw the world-famous Ratha Yatra festival parade down its streets for the second time.

The deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra were as glorious and colorful as ever, blessing enthusiastic onlookers and devotees alike.

Many of Jamshedpur’s pious citizens waited eagerly to pull the chariots’ ropes and see their beloved Lords, as they followed the parade from Navajivan Complex and through the city’s main streets. Some joined the devotees in chanting and dancing, while many partook of the delicious vegetarian fare served out to all. They were enthused to see western devotees embracing the vedic tradition — little Radhika, dressed in her sari and adorned with tilaka, was especially popular.

With ISKCON devotees and locals joining hands, the Ratha Yatra was a unanimous success. Dr Amar Singh and his wife Manjusri Dasi worked hard at organization, inviting senior industrial oficer SK Sathpati and international auto owner Mr Behera as special guests. Jamshedpur Navajivan Complex residents cooperated graciously with devotees to make the festival possible.

The resulting Ratha Yatra held the city in thrall, with many leading newspapers featuring write-ups and photos on the event.