The event was honoured by the divine presence of Sri Suvidyendra Teertha Swamiji of Bhuvanagiri Ashram, alongside various other public luminaries. His Holiness remarked, “The presence of ISKCON Bangalore has turned Bangalore from a metropolitan city to a place of pilgrimage. The original Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama Ratha Yatra was conducted by Akrura from Vrindavana to Mathura to kill the demon Kamsa. In the present time, the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore are also conducting the Ratha Yatra like Akrura to vanquish the negative forces in the society and bring about peace, harmony and an atmosphere of devotion.”
Speaking on the occasion Honourable Chief Guest Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, remarked, "Just stepping into the ISKCON temple exudes positive energy, which is incomparable to any other place. I am associated with ISKCON from my childhood when my father was the Chief Minister and he named the Crescent Road as Hare Krishna road. ISKCON temple has now become the city’s top tourist destination. I pledge my support to all its activities".
"It’s very hearting to see the flourishing activities of Hare Krishna movement outside India. These devotees have become cultural ambassadors to the world” remarked Ambassador Prashanth Pise, Deputy Director General at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) while participating in the Ratha Yatra.
Sri Gopalaiah and Sri Narendra Babu who have been the MLAs of Mahalakshmi Layout also expressed their appreciation of ISKCON Bangalore temple through which lakhs of devotees are being blessed.
Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman & Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement, Founder & Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation & President, ISKCON Bangalore in his eloquent address, mentioned, “Sri Sri Krishna Balarama have been blessing lakhs of devotees who have been visiting over many years and by Their blessings we are shortly opening a new Annadana Hall where more than 6000 thousand pilgrims will be served lunch every day.”
This year’s chariot, standing at an impressive 26 feet, featured exquisite decorations, modern safety mechanisms, and a high-speed electric brake system. The streets of Rajajinagar resonated with the soul-stirring sounds of kirtans, mridanga, and kartal, filling the air with divine melodies. The devotees offered heartfelt prayers and offerings of fruits, flowers, sweets, and various delicacies to Sri Sri Krishna Balarama seated on the chariot.
The event was made seamless by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, ensuring smooth coordination at every step. Free prasadam was distributed to thousands of devotees throughout the procession.