The Ratha-Yatra chariot festival in Puri,
Odisha
For thousands of years, the grand chariot festival Ratha-Yatra has been celebrated in the Indian city of Puri (Odisha), attracting over 1 million people annually.
Since the Bhakti movement gained a foothold in the USA in the mid-1960s, the traditional chariot festival has also been held in the West.
First Ratha-Yatra outside of India,
San Francisco, 1967
Today, this colorful festival can be found in many cities around the world – from Los Angeles to Tokyo, from Oslo to Durban – and since 1978, also in Switzerland.
The festival is accompanied by music, dance, Indian vegan/vegetarian food, and a cultural program.
07th July 2024
At 1:30 PM, gathering and start of the parade at the Chinese Garden.
4:30 PM – Cultural program at Bürkliplatz.
