# Ratha-yātrā > The Festival of the Chariots **Observed:** During the month of Āṣāḍha (June-July) --- ## Significance Ratha-yātrā, the "Festival of the Chariots," is one of the oldest and largest religious festivals in the world. The Deities of Lord Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā are placed on massive chariots and pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. The festival originated in Jagannātha Purī, Orissa, where it has been celebrated for thousands of years. The main chariot of Lord Jagannātha stands 45 feet tall with 16 wheels, each 7 feet in diameter. --- ## Spiritual Significance > Lord Caitanya Himself would dance before the Ratha of Lord Jagannātha in great ecstasy. The mood of the festival represents Kṛṣṇa's return to Vṛndāvana. > > — [[cc/madhya/13|Cc. Madhya 13]] Summary The Ratha-yātrā symbolizes the Lord leaving Dvārakā to return to Vṛndāvana, where the gopīs await Him. Lord Caitanya would enter the deepest states of ecstasy during this festival, embodying Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī's mood of separation. --- ## Śrīla Prabhupāda and Ratha-yātrā Śrīla Prabhupāda introduced Ratha-yātrā to the Western world in 1967 in San Francisco. Today, ISKCON holds Ratha-yātrā festivals in hundreds of cities worldwide, making it one of the most visible expressions of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. > When I was young I was thinking, when will I hold a festival like Ratha-yātrā? Now my Guru Mahārāja has given me this facility to introduce the Ratha-yātrā all over the world. > > — Śrīla Prabhupāda --- ## The Festival - **Chariot procession:** Deities pulled on decorated chariots - **Kīrtana:** Massive congregational chanting - **Prasādam:** Free feast for all attendees - **Cultural programs:** Music, dance, and spiritual presentations --- ## Related - [[cc/madhya/13|Cc. Madhya Chapter 13]] — The Ecstatic Dancing at Ratha-yātrā - [[wiki/articles/jagannatha|Lord Jagannātha]] - [[wiki/events/jhulana-yatra|Jhulana-yātrā]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*