By Kanchan Choudhary
Patna, July 2026: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Patna has announced the schedule for the Sri Jagannath Festival 2026, with the sacred Netrotsava to be observed on 15 July 2026 and the Grand Jagannath Rath Yatra (Street Chariot Procession) on 16 July 2026.
The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by Temple Management Committee (TMC) Co-Chairman Raman Manohar Das, along with other TMC members Adi karta Parabhu, Radha Charan Pati & Nand Gopal Das. Speaking to the media, Raman Manohar Das described the annual festival as a celebration of devotion, compassion, selfless service, peace, and universal brotherhood, inviting devotees and the general public to participate in large numbers.
The Netrotsava, to be held on 15 July, marks the auspicious first public darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra after the annual ritual period. The ceremony will include Vedic rituals, Harinam Sankirtan, devotional prayers, and special temple worship, offering devotees a spiritually uplifting experience.
One of the major highlights of this year’s celebrations will be the offering of the traditional Chhappan Bhog (56 Bhog) to Lord Jagannath. ISKCON officials also announced a special Crane Bhog presentation. In addition, the organizers revealed plans for a helicopter flower shower, subject to the necessary administrative approvals.
The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra will take place on 16 July, when the beautifully decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra will travel through the streets of Patna. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate by pulling the sacred chariots while chanting the holy names of the Lord through Harinam Sankirtan. The procession will also feature devotional music, cultural performances, and the distribution of Mahaprasad.
TMC members informed the media that elaborate arrangements have been made in coordination with the local administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Comprehensive plans for security, traffic management, sanitation, medical assistance, and volunteer services have been put in place to provide a safe and memorable experience for devotees and visitors.
Concluding the press conference, ISKCON Patna extended an open invitation to devotees from Bihar and across India to join the Jagannath Festival 2026. The organizers expressed confidence that the festival would not only uphold a cherished spiritual tradition but also strengthen the values of faith, compassion, cultural unity, social harmony, and selfless service, which form the timeless message of Lord Jagannath.
