Gaudiya Vaishnava Association Organizes the 2025 Lord Jagannatha Ratha Yatra in Cumming, Georgia
Every year during the months of June-July the very famous Lord Jagannatha Ratha Yatra takes place in many parts of the world.On June 28, 2025, the Gaudiya Vaishnava Association (GVA) brought this ancient festival to the streets of Cumming, Georgia. Now in its third decade of service to the Atlanta community, GVA continues its mission of the propagation of bhakti-yoga, and the congregational chanting of Lord Krishna’s holy names, as guided by its Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace Shreela Bhakti Swarupa Tirtha Maharaj.
[Left] Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva & Shreemati Subhadra devi
GVA Gurukula & Youth Presentation
The Ratha Yatra tradition originates in Puri, the State of Orissa, India, where deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Shreemati Subhadra devi emerge from the temple to bless the public in the outdoors. In Cumming neighborhood, during the summer break, GVA’s Gurukula and youth students dedicated weeks of planning to recreate this vibrant procession. GVA Gurukula students opened the festival with kirtans, classical dance and pastimes (leelas) glorifying Lord Jagannatha. A youth presentation distilled the purpose of the Lord’s appearance into recitations which could be understood by all age groups. These cultural presentations were simply amazing and fantastic.
Ratha Yatra Procession
Next, following an opening arati invoking the Lord’s mercy, the exquisitely decorated chariot, which was adorned with fresh flowers and silken banners, set forth to the accompaniment of jubilant kirtan with karatalas and mridangas. As the procession commenced, children took the lead in pulling the chariot with the Lordships. All along, everyone was lovingly offered refreshments like fresh juices, buttermilk and water on a perfect sunny afternoon. Devotees took turns sweeping the pathway of the chariot emulating the sacred sweepers in Puri.
More than 250 participants joined the two-hour yatra, receiving the divine blessings of the Lords at every turn. Devotional fervor peaked during the Harinama Sankeertana, where collective chanting spurred spontaneous dancing and heartfelt worship. At the procession’s conclusion, the chariot returned to the festival grounds for a closing arati, after which a sumptuous feast of prasadam was served to all devotees and guests.
Under the divine guidance of HDG Shreela Bhakti Swarupa Tirtha Maharaj, GVA regularly conducts weekly Shreemad Bhagavad Geeta and Shreemad Bhagavatam satsangs—both in person and online. Apart from annual events like Ratha Yatra, GVA also conducts home-programs and monthly Harinama Sankeertana gatherings. Those interested in participating or learning more about these programs are encouraged to contact GVA at 1-888-9GVA-USA or visit www.bhagavatvani.org.
Community participation in the Ratha Yatra
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