Ratha Yatra is the festival of chariots, a tradition running back centuries to Puri in Odisha, in which enormous decorated carts carrying Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by hand. Queens' version brings the chariot, the kirtan chanting and the prasadam feast to South Ozone Park. A hand-hauled chariot with ropes lined with participants is one of the borough's most striking street sights.
What to expect
The chariot moves slowly with participants pulling on long ropes, chanting and drumming continuously, and anyone can join the rope. Free vegetarian prasadam is distributed along the route and at the destination. It is welcoming to onlookers, and taking part in the pulling is genuinely open to visitors.
Good to know
- Take the A to Rockaway Blvd or the Q7/Q8 buses toward South Ozone Park for the route.
- Free and open to everyone; pulling the chariot rope is open to visitors.
- Free vegetarian prasadam is distributed — come hungry.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where indicated near the deities.
- Bring water and sun cover; the procession moves slowly in the open.
- Street-level and flat, though the pace is slow and crowds gather at the chariot.
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Common questions
What is Ratha Yatra?
A Hindu chariot festival in which decorated carts carrying the deities Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by devotees.
Can anyone join?
Yes — pulling the chariot ropes is traditionally open to all, and free vegetarian prasadam is distributed along the route.
Where does it start?
Near 122-02 123rd Street in South Ozone Park, Queens.
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