By Yogesvara Gopinath das
On Sunday, 4 October 2026, approximately 3,500 people gathered in Ilford, East London, to celebrate the Ratha Yatra of Their Lordships Sri Jagannatha, Sri Baladeva and Srimati Subhadra Maharani.
The festival began at Valentines Park, where the beautifully decorated Ratha cart set off towards Ilford High Street, passing through Ilford Station. As the chariot moved through the streets, devotees led the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, followed by the beautiful recitation of Jagannathastakam. People of all ages and backgrounds joined the procession, taking turns to pull the Ratha and participate in Lord Jagannatha’s service.
A classical dance was performed before the chariot as the procession began, adding to the devotional and cultural atmosphere. The celebration continued at Ilford High Street, where a range of activities welcomed the wider community.
The Bhakti Corner provided an opportunity for visitors to connect with the East London community and learn more about devotional activities. The Kids Corner offered crafts and games for children, while the Sankirtan team distributed books by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Main Tent hosted a vibrant programme of cultural and devotional performances. The audience particularly enjoyed a delightful dance by the toddlers, while the Pandava Sena presented a drama.
The festival was honoured by the presence of Cllr Bert Jones, Mayor of Redbridge; Cllr Sunny Brar, Cabinet Secretary for Policing; and Cllr Yogesh Saini, Councillor. Senior ISKCON representatives HG Dayal Mora Dasa, Temple President of ISKCON London; HG Parusuram Dasa, Director of Food for All; and HG Tribhangananda Dasa also participated in the celebrations.
A special highlight was the launch of Damodar Puja by the dignitaries, introducing the wider community to the devotional celebrations of the Damodara season.
The spirit of service continued with the distribution of 3,500 plates of prasadam.
Ratha Yatra is a festival in which Lord Jagannatha comes out onto the streets to offer His darshan and mercy to everyone. The Ilford celebration beautifully reflected this spirit. Children, families, young people, elderly guests, devotees, local residents and civic representatives all came together in an atmosphere of devotion, joy and community.
The 2026 Ilford Ratha Yatra was therefore much more than a procession. It was an opportunity to share the chanting of the Holy Names, Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, prasadam and the spirit of devotional service with the people of East London.May the mercy of Sri Jagannatha, Sri Baladeva and Srimati Subhadra Maharani continue to bless the people of Ilford and beyond.
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