By Chisomo Phiri
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Saturday June 28,2025, held a parade,celebrating the Ratha Yatra festival, also known as the Festival of Chariots in Blantyre.
The parade started from the Old Town Hall to the temple near Mount Soche hotel where several people attended.
Speaking to journalists,Head of the Harinam Sankirtan department from South Africa,Virabhadra Das, said Ratha Yatra
is a joyous celebration that brings people together from all walks of life.
He said the purpose of the festival which involves pulling a chariot carrying the deity of the Lord through the streets of towns and villages is to spread the message of God’s love and mercy to people who may have become engrossed in material life.
“By participating in the festival, devotees believe they can receive the mercy of God and purify their souls.
“The festival is a universal celebration that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, and people of all colors and backgrounds are welcome to participate,” he said.
Das added that during the festival, food is prepared and offered to God, becoming ‘Prasad,’ or the mercy of God.
Said Das:”This sacred food is then distributed to devotees, who believe that consuming it can help burn away sinful reactions in their lives.
“Additionally,Ratha Yatra festival is a celebration of Krishna consciousness, a way of life based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. This ancient scripture provides guidance on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, and its teachings are considered universal and applicable to people of all backgrounds.”
He emphasized the importance of balancing material life with spiritual practices. While it is necessary to work to maintain our physical bodies, it is equally important to nourish our spiritual souls.
“One of the easiest ways to do this is by chanting God’s name, which is a central part of the Ratha Yatra festival.
“The festival is a joyous and blissful event that brings people together in a celebration of spirituality and unity.
“It is an opportunity for people to experience the mercy of God and to connect with others in a spirit of love and devotion,” he said.
