Kolkata Rath Yatra

Monsoon has already set in and the season's first festival - rath (or 'roth's as it's pronounced in Bengali) is just around the corner. A festival rooted in ancient Vaishnavism, Kolkata's rath yatra may not be as old as Puri's, but is definitely just as big. A newbie or an old hand, here are five things you must absolutely know about Kolkata's grand eight-day festival of rath. An ancient Vaishnava festival, rath was popular only in pockets of Bengal, until ISKCON replicated the grand tradition of Puri and started the festival in Kolkata in 1972. Celebrated each year without fail, thousands of people file through the streets of Kolkata to throng around the chariot and have a pull at it. Rath has in fact gone on to become an integral part of our childhood as we joined into the festivities with fervour and enthusiasm. The biggest attraction of Kolkata's rath yatra is of course ISKCON's rath and its procession. A prototype of Puri's chariot and idol, ISKCON's rath leaves the temple premises at Albert Road to wind around the city until it reaches the Brigade Parade Ground, where it stands for the next seven days. A severely patriarchal institution, we suggest you censure their ideology and just participate in the colourful cultural programme of song, dance and community bonding.