GUWAHATI, July 14: The Hare Krishna Movement (HKM), Guwahati, is preparing to celebrate the 14th Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra Mahotsav on July 16, with thousands of devotees expected to take part in the grand 8-kilometre chariot procession.

According to the organisers, the yatra will begin at 3:00 PM from the Hare Krishna Mandir in North Guwahati and conclude at the historic Doul Govinda Mandir. The celebration will begin with traditional Vedic rituals, puja, and arati of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra, followed by the ceremonial pulling of the chariots.

A decorated elephant will lead the procession, followed by Naam Sankirtan groups chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Students, members of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, devotees from Guwahati and nearby districts, and members of the public are expected to participate.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, hundreds of volunteers have been mobilised. Throughout the route, volunteers will distribute prasadam, spiritual books, and Mahamantra cards. Refreshments, including fruit juice and khichdi prasadam, will be served at various points, and a Mahaprasadam dinner will be offered to devotees after the procession reaches Doul Govinda Mandir.

Organisers said they are expecting the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with legislators and other dignitaries.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, HKM Guwahati Vice President Vijay Pandit Dasa described the Rath Yatra as “a festival of divine mercy, universal brotherhood and spiritual joy,” and invited people from all walks of life to participate by pulling the sacred chariot, chanting the holy names, and receiving the blessings of Lord Jagannath.