Kolkata’s Rath Yatra begins on a colourful note

The 53rd Kolkata Rath Yatra by ISKCON began at Minto Park on Sunday. Over 2.5 lakh devotees from Kolkata and the neighbouring areas thronged to pay tribute to the three chariots covered with flowers and mirrorwork cloth carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. City bonedi baris also celebrated Rath Yatra, adding to their cultural legacy.
Pop-up: A footfall of 2.5lakh people is registered every year
"Preparations start three months prior to the festival. We hold a meeting to decide who will donate what for the chariots"- Pallav Chakraborty, a member of the organising committee

Pop-up: The decor for the chariots is mostly sourced from Puri. The flowers are bought from Mullick Ghat, Krishnanagar and Midnapore

"More than 1000 police officers are deployed for crowd and traffic management. This is the second most crowded event after Durga Puja in the city"-A senior Kolkata Police officer