02/12/2025
Ratha Yatra / Festival of India – Community Update
Hare Krishna dear devotees, friends and well-wishers.
I just wanted to take a few minutes to share an exciting update on this year’s Ratha Yatra — or as we are officially calling it this year, the Festival of India. Our entire team has been planning for many months, and by Krishna’s mercy we have a wonderful festival lined up for all of you.
Two Days Instead of One
This year we’ll be expanding the festival to two full days.
The chariot procession will take place on Saturday, as always.
But the festival-site activities — everything you love — will continue on both Saturday and Sunday.
This means double the opportunity to celebrate, participate, and bring your friends and family.
What You Can Expect
We are very fortunate to have three senior devotees joining us this year:
HH Brhat Bhagavat Swami,
HG Kshudi Prabhu, and
Our very own HG Medhavi Prabhu.
They will be giving talks, classes, and Q&A sessions where you can listen, ask questions, and engage deeply with Krishna consciousness.
The festival grounds will be filled with so many wonderful experiences:
At least 10 different prasadam vendors, so be ready to tempt and tantalise your taste buds.
10 arts and crafts vendors, showcasing beautiful handmade items.
A Deity tent with our VIP — Lord Jagannatha, where you can come for darshan throughout the festival, offering lamps, fruit and flowers..
Cooking demonstrations by Govinda’s.
Mendhi and gopi dot artists for a colourful and festive experience.
And of course, the opportunity to engage in philosophical discussions and Q&A throughout both days.
there will be a dedicated kids area with jumping castles and activities for our little ones
Special Sunday Highlight: Festival of Color
On Sunday (our second day) we have something extra special — the Festival of Color!
This will take place from 3pm to 6pm at an access-controlled site.
Tickets will be going on sale soon, so please watch out for the online release. There will be various ticket options to suit all budgets.
A reminder that no outside colours will be allowed — everything will be provided inside the venue.
We’ll have a DJ, music, and countdowns for colour throws, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. We are genuinely looking forward to this addition — it’s going to be a beautiful way to end the weekend.
Volunteers
No festival of this scale is possible without the help of volunteers.
A heartfelt thank you to those who have already put their names down and committed their time.
If you haven’t yet volunteered but would like to, please contact Siva Shankara Prabhu — he will happily slot you in where help is needed. Every pair of hands makes a difference.
Donors & Support
And finally, thank you to all our donors who have already contributed so generously. Your support is what makes this festival possible.
If you would still like to contribute in any way, please speak to me afterwards — no amount is too small. Every contribution goes directly into serving this beautiful festival.
We are really excited about this year’s Festival of India — two whole days of culture, devotion, prasadam, colour, kirtan, and community.
Please spread the word, invite your friends, and most importantly, come and be part of it. Share our posts on FB, IG and whats app..
Thank you very much. Hare Krishna.
