18.07.2026: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma flags off Jagannath Rath yatra in Mumbai

Publish Date : July 18, 2026

18.07.2026: Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma today performed the puja to mark the commencement of the 45th Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra, organized by ISKCON from Bhaktivedanta Swami Mission School, Andheri, Mumbai. The Governor performed the aarti of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra seated on the specially made chariot and ceremonially swept the route of the Rath Yatra with a broom. Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the Rath Yatra is a unique and unparalleled experience that is available only in the Sanatan Dharma and Indian culture. He noted that the festival symbolizes Lord Jagannatha's coming out of the temple to meet His devotees. He further observed that while the Jagannath Rath Yatra was once largely confined to Jagannath Puri and a few other places, Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, carried this sacred festival to different parts of the world. Maharashtra's Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Rane, Member of Parliament Hema Malini, MLA Amit Satam, Hinduja Group Chairman Prakash Hinduja, President of the Rath Yatra Festival Dr. Surdas, President of ISKCON Juhu, Brijhari Das, Vice President Mukunda Madhava, Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnaware and a large number of devotees were present.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma flags off Jagannath Rath yatra in Mumbai

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma today performed the puja to mark the commencement of the 45th Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra, organized by ISKCON from Bhaktivedanta Swami Mission School, Andheri, Mumbai. The Governor performed the aarti of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra seated on the specially made chariot and ceremonially swept the route of the Rath Yatra with a broom.Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the Rath Yatra is a unique and unparalleled experience that is available only in the Sanatan Dharma and Indian culture. He noted that the festival symbolizes Lord Jagannatha’s coming out of the temple to meet His devotees. He further observed that while the Jagannath Rath Yatra was once largely confined to Jagannath Puri and a few other places, Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, carried this sacred festival to different parts of the world.Maharashtra’s Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Rane, Member of Parliament Hema Malini, MLA Amit Satam, Hinduja Group Chairman Prakash Hinduja, President of the Rath Yatra Festival Dr. Surdas, President of ISKCON Juhu Brijhari Das, Vice President Mukunda Madhava, Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnaware and a large number of devotees were present. https://youtu.be/8mt0cv-khso