Houston Rath Yatra — Chariot Festival
- Date
- July 18th
- Time
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Age
- Ages 0–12
- Cost
- Free, including the health fair and concluding dinner
Location
Orissa Culture Center
3101 Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77047 · Directions
South Acres
The Orissa Culture Center’s 19th annual Rath Yatra is a full-day celebration of Lord Jagannath featuring worship, cultural performances, a public chariot procession, and a community meal.
Schedule highlights
- 9 a.m.: free health fair and dental clinic
- 11 a.m.: ceremonial dressing of Lord Jagannath
- 3 p.m.: Indian and international dance, music, chanting, and spiritual programming
- 6 p.m.: procession carrying the deities to the chariot with drums, bells, cymbals, and kirtan
- 7 p.m.: community chariot pulling
- 8 p.m.: collective Maha Arati
- 9 p.m.: free Mahaprasad dinner for attendees
The cultural program includes Indian classical dance and other Asian and international performers. Families may attend for all or part of the day.