Chariot Fest - Ratha Yatra

During the festival, big ratha (chariot), upon which the deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra are seated, are pulled by rope on a jubilant procession called a yatra, attracting everyone. The parade itself symoolizes the pulling of the Lord into our hearts, and it is done with great devotion to the accompaniment of chanting and dancing, called kirtan.

Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to join in the excitement by singing and chanting along to the world-famous Hare Krishna mantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, 

Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare;
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, 

Rama Rama, Hare Hare

Also known as the Festival of the Chariots, the Ratha Yatra Festival originated in the ancient city of Puri, India.

• Parade
• Live Kirtan
• Kids Performance
• Magic Show
• Interactive Yoga
• Books on Yoga & Vedic Scriptures 
• Gopi Dots
• Heena Tattoo 
• Free Vegetarian Feast
• Juice Stall & Much more

There are considerable expenses involved in organizing this festival and making it a success, as well as many volunteer service opportunities. If you contribute according to your means, certainly Lord Jagannatha will bless you and your family. Please donate generously!

An overview of the various expenditures is as follows:

• Acquiring a chariot
• Renting festival venue
• Obtaining event insurance
• Electrical & Permits
• Renting transportation, tents, chairs, stage, tables, etc.
• Renting music equipment
• Decorations for the chariot and festival grounds
• Renting toilets, washing stations, garbage collection service
• Printing posters, pamphlets, displays, etc.
• Advertising/promotion
• Miscellaneous supplies and tools

Any additional funds left over after the Ratha Yatra Festival will go into future ISKCON Oakville events and projects.

The Festival of India is not just a parade. It is a fully immersive cultural experience, including dance, music, food, philosophy, arts, yoga & more!

Date & Time: Saturday , July 4th 2026 – 3:30 PM to 8 PM

Location : Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park

2340 Ontario St, Oakville, ON L6L 6P7

• Volunteering
• Sponsorship
• Visitors
• Partners
• General Donations

Please fill out the Contact Us form and we will reach out to you.

We need YOU! 💥

Chariot Fest is coming up on July 4th and we’re looking for energetic, passionate people to help us make it AMAZING. 🙌 Whether you're into crowd management, information desk, Food & beverage service, or just want to be part of the action, we’ve got a spot for you! 👏

If you or anyone you know is interested, please fill out the registration form here:

https://forms.gle/nMu4s9L1o3gCQZSf8