বাংলায় পড়ুন
The season of monsoon is here, bringing us closer to an array of festivals that start around this time. The Rath Yatra marks this season’s first festival, and here are four things you should know about this lively 8-day festival in Kolkata.
- Popularity
Although, Puri is the centre of attraction during the Rath Yatra apart from being the oldest city to host it, Kolkata is not far behind. ISKCON replicated the grand celebration here in 1972. Since then, thousands throng the streets and many pulling their own little chariots. Even neighbourhood clubs have become an integral part of the tradition, organising competitions and broadening the festival as a whole.
- Food & Fairs
The Brigade Parade ground is the hub of excitement during this time. There are fun melas and delicacies like papad and jalebis one can enjoy. Stalls are set up, that sell books on Lord Jagannath and information about the history and significance of the festival. Long queues can be spotted where the special food (bhog) is distributed in traditional earthen pots. The fairs organised at Moulali and Amherst street are also worth checking out.
- Variety
Traditional marketplaces like Sealdah, Manicktala, Gariahat, Kalighat, Lebutala, Rashmoni Bazar, Jaggu Bazar and Lake Market are flooded with different varieties of chariots, of varying shapes, sizes and colours, decorative material and a wide range of clay idols.
- Biggest Attraction
The ISKCON Rath Yatra is the biggest attraction during the monsoon in Kolkata. The procession starts from Albert Road and stops at the Brigade Parade Ground, where the Raths stay for 7 days. The procession carries every bit of the original practices, history and ideology. It is characterised by spectacular cultural programmes and a huge crowd of devotees and visitors.
