Leicester’s city center fell silent for one minute during the Rathayatra – Festival of Chariots on Sunday, 22nd June 2025, as a mark of respect for the lives lost in the plane crash, which has particularly affected Leicester, having lost 10 members of its community.
City and religious leaders, including Cllr Ravi Mahesh, the cousin of the sole survivor of the crash, attended the festival. The names of the deceased were read out by Temple President Pradyumna Das. “Though a joyous occasion, this year’s festival is marred by the tragic loss of so many lives in the plane crash. Here in Leicester, we have certainly felt the impact, the pain, and the loss. We pray for the departed in the hope of their reunion with the Supreme Lord,” said Pradyumna Das.
The minute’s silence was followed by Gujarati folk dances performed by the devotees and a local youth group.
Leicester Rathayatra has been running for over 30 years and is a celebrated annual event that attracts thousands of participants and onlookers from across the UK and beyond.
The festival features a majestic hand-pulled 40ft chariot carrying the magnificent deities of Jagannath Baladeva and Subhadra from the City Centre, along the famous Golden Mile, and into Cossington Park.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/rathayatra-in-leicester-uk-honors-those-lost-in-air-india-crash/
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