New Delhi: ISKCON Dwarka is set to celebrate the upcoming Rath Yatra with a flavorful twist, launching a special Mango Festival at the Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Temple in Delhi beginning June 27. This celebration aims at merging devotion with culture, paying homage to Lord Jagannath while showcasing the Lord’s timeless love for mangoes.
The mango festival will include a sacred offering of 1,100 kilograms of 108 varieties of mangoes to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, followed by a grand aarti and the distribution of mango prasad to thousands of devotees. Visitors will also experience a curated display of over 108 mango varieties—ranging from Alphonso and Langda to Safeda and Dasheri.
Events will begin at 8:00 AM with a spiritual recounting of Lord Jagannath’s divine appearance. In the evening, the temple will resonate with soulful kirtans during a Kirtan Mela, accompanied by Vedic rituals, including Yagna. A Maha Abhishek with sacred waters sourced from the divine well of Jagannath Puri—blending the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—will be performed with devotion. Traditional Odia offerings and a concluding Maha Aarti will round off the day, followed by prasad distribution.
Amidst these Delhi celebrations, ISKCON Dwarka’s outreach during the wider Rath Yatra period will also extend to Puri, Lord’s abode. There, in collaboration with the Adani Group, over 3 million glasses of refreshing juice and prasadam will be served to devotees. Last time, the duo joined forces for the Mahaprasad Seva initiative at the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj to provide free meals to 50 lakh devotees.
“Mangoes hold a special significance in our tradition and are deeply cherished by Lord Jagannath,” said Shri Gaur Prabhu, Vice-President of ISKCON Dwarka. “Through this festival, we hope to celebrate not just the fruit, but the spirit of offering, joy, and unity it brings.”
A mango-eating contest will also be part of the festivities, adding a playful community element to the devotional atmosphere.
Reflecting on the festival’s spiritual meaning, Shri Gaur Prabhu noted, “The Rath Yatra reminds us of essential values—humility, service, faith, and detachment. These teachings help us find direction in today’s uncertain world.”
