Chariot Fest – Durham Region’s 2nd Annual Ratha Yatra 2026

Sat Jul 18 2026 at 11:00 am to 06:00 pm UTC-04:00

The Esplanade Park | Pickering

ISKCON Durham
Publisher/HostISKCON Durham
Chariot Fest \u2013 Durham Region\u2019s 2nd Annual Ratha Yatra 2026
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Chariot Fest – Ratha Yatra 2026 | Durham Region’s Second Annual Cultural Parade & Community Festival
About this Event

🛕 About the Festival

Chariot Fest – Ratha Yatra is one of the world’s most ancient and celebrated cultural parades, symbolizing unity, joy, and devotion. Inspired by the Grand Ratha Yatra of Jagannath Puri, this historic festival invites people of all backgrounds and cultures to come together in celebration.

Experience a cultural celebration like no other—where heritage, music, colour, tradition, and community unite!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Chariot Fest – Ratha Yatra 2026 in Durham Region, presented by ISKCON Durham, and supported by Durham Region, City of Pickering and Community Partners.

Celebrated in 100+ cities worldwide, this free community cultural festival brings the divine onto the streets in a vibrant and joyful procession.


🎊 Festival Highlights

• 🌺 Traditional Chariot Parade of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra — accompany the majestic chariot in a beautiful procession.

• 🎶 Live Kirtan & Bhajans (devotional music) that uplift and unite hearts.

• 🎭 Multicultural Stage Performances showcasing vibrant heritage.

• 🛕 Deity Darshan & Aarti — experience the grace of the Divine with an intimate opportunity to offer prayers and receive blessings.

• 🍛 Free Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam) lovingly prepared and served to all attendees.

• 🎨 Face Painting, Kids’ Zone & Art Activities

• 🛍️ Spiritual Books, Boutique Items, Community & Vendor Booths



🙏 Seva & Sponsorship Opportunities

We welcome your generous support through individual seva, donations, or business sponsorships. Contribute toward:


🌟 Grand Sponsorships
🏆 Main Sponsor for Rath Yatra – $5100
🙏 Prasad Seva – $3100
🚩 Chariot & Altar Sponsorships
🚩 Chariot (Rath) Sponsorship – $2100
🌸 Deities Altar Decoration – $1008
🎶 Essential Services
🔊 Sound System – $ 2100
💐 Flowers – $1100
🌿 Deities Garlands – $251
🪔 Deities Paraphernalia – $501
🍎 Food & Refreshments
🍬 Sweets – $ 1100
💧 Drinking Water – $501
🥤 Lemonade / Juice – $501
🍏 Bhoga (Offering to Deities) – $108
🍎 Fruits – $501
📚 Vedic Books Sponsorship
📦 Bhagavad-Gita Box – $251
📚 Srimad-Bhagavatam Set – $375



💳 Donations / e-Transfers may be sent to:

If you wish to donate for the seva opportunities listed above, please send an Interac transfer to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can to donate and include your legal name, address, contact details, and seva details in the notes section. Your donation is tax-deductible, and a receipt will be issued. We appreciate your generosity and support!

This family-friendly event promises an enriching experience for all ages, fostering community spirit and devotion. Don't miss this opportunity to participate in this Grand Heritage, Cultural, and Community Festival.



🤝 For Corporate Sponsorships & Donations, please contact:

📞 Vidura Mukunda Das at 647-619-0005 or 647 3034669 and email [email protected]

Your support helps make this free and inclusive celebration a grand success for all!



💬 Who Can Attend?

EVERYONE! This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and inclusive cultural festival open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities.



🎟️ Tickets

FREE ADMISSION for all age groups.

(Registration on Eventbrite is encouraged to help us plan food & seating.)



🧡 Reserve your spot now!



🙌 Get Involved

Would you like to volunteer, sponsor, or set up a booth?

📧 Contact us at [email protected]📱 Or call: 437 477 6284, 647-619-0005


💌 Stay Connected with ISKCON Durham!

📱 Join our Official Congregation WhatsApp Group

📧 Email: [email protected]

📷 Instagram: @iskcondurham

📘 Facebook: @iskcondurham


Agenda

🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Chariot Parade (Sidewalk Procession)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Special Kirtan for Lord Jagannath
🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Cultural Performances
🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Grand Finale: Ecstatic Kirtan
🕑: 06:00 PM
56 Bhoga Offerings, Aarti, Closing & Gratitude
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Esplanade Park, 1 The Esplanade, Pickering, Canada

Tickets

USD 0.00

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