Leicester Rathayatra, Festival of Chariots, Celebrating 60 Years of ISKCON

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots returns to Leicester on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing colour, music, and celebration to the city’s streets.

One of the brightest processions in the Midlands, the vibrant festival will begin at Gallowtree Gate with a tumultuous welcome ceremony called a pahandi. The inauguration will commence at 11.30am.

This year’s event is especially significant as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades since its founding in 1966. Thousands of festival-goers from across the UK are expected to gather to hand-pull the 40-foot chariot carrying the beautiful Deities of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), His sister Subhadra, and Lord Balarama through Leicester city centre, accompanied by traditional music, devotional singing, and energetic dancing.

The colourful procession will travel from the city centre along the Golden Mile before arriving at Cossington Park, where visitors can enjoy a full afternoon of family-friendly activities, including live cultural performances, mantra meditation, children's entertainment, and a free vegetarian feast for all. At Cossington Park, there will be a variety of experiences for all the family, including a cultural stage show, mantra meditation, children’s fun activities and a free vegetarian meal for all.

Pradyumna Das, President of ISKCON Leicester, says:

“Rathayatra Festival of Chariots is one of the world’s oldest and most colourful street festivals, and we are proud that Leicester hosts the second largest celebration of its kind in Europe. This year is particularly special as ISKCON celebrates its 60th anniversary. We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to take part in this unique cultural event, which combines ancient tradition with a spirit of inclusivity, joy, and community.”

History

The traditional Jagannatha Rathayatra is a celebration more than 5000 years-old, observed in the ancient holy city of Jagannatha Puri in Orissa, India, widely regarded as one of the world's oldest continuing street festivals. Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot, carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha – Lord of the Universe, then at the end of this life, they will be granted a place in the spiritual world. 

East meets West

This ancient festival was first brought to Western shores in 1967 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Since then, this festival has become a popular cultural event in major cities around the world. Leicester is proud to host the second largest such celebration in Europe. 

When: Sunday 28^th June 2026

Where: From Gallowtree Gate (outside Sports Direct) to Cossington Park, Belgrave.

Time: Welcome ceremony 9.30am, Procession starts 11.30am at Gallowtree Gate, Leicester City Centre 

Arrives Cossington Park 2.30pm for free festival

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots returns to Leicester on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing colour, music, and celebration to the city’s streets.

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