Chariot Fest Ratha Yatra 2025

The streets of Toronto are about to come alive with chanting, dancing, and divine celebration! With hearts full of anticipation and devotion, we joyfully welcome you to the 53rd Annual Chariot Fest (Ratha Yatra – formerly known as Festival of India), hosted by ISKCON Toronto.

Now in its 53rd year, this vibrant celebration brings the Supreme Lords—Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi—out from the temple and onto the streets, blessing everyone with Their merciful glances. From the thunderous kirtan echoing through downtown, to the spiritual oasis on Centre Island, this is a weekend to uplift your soul and ignite your bhakti.

Why We Celebrate Ratha Yatra

Ratha Yatra is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved festivals, where the Lord of the Universe—Jagannatha—personally comes out to see and bless the people. This tradition, rooted in Jagannatha Puri, India, is lovingly brought to life in Toronto with devotion, community, and open-hearted joy.

Festival Weekend Schedule

Dates:

Friday, July 11, 2025 – 12-Hour Kirtan at ISKCON Temple
Saturday, July 12, 2025 – Ratha Yatra Parade on Yonge Street
Saturday July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2025 – Festival at Centre Island

Friday, July 11, 2025 – 12-Hour Kirtan

ISKCON Toronto Temple, 243 Avenue Road

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Theme: “Sow Your Seed of Bhakti by Chanting the Holy Name”

Kick off the festival weekend with 12 hours of soul-transforming kirtan. Let the Holy Name plant deep seeds of bhakti in your heart as international and local chanters lead us in a day of ecstatic singing and spiritual connection.

Saturday, July 12 – Grand Chariot Parade

Starts at Yonge & Edward Street, Toronto (Eaton Centre)

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Closest TTC Station: Yonge and Dundas Station (TMU station)

(PARADE ONLY ON SATURDAY)

The main event begins in the heart of downtown Toronto on Edward Street, at the iconic Yonge & Dundas Square, just steps from Dundas Station.

The parade proceeds all the way to Queens Quay, where the celebration continues on Centre Island for the weekend.

This is your chance to be part of a sacred procession that brings the Lord of the Universe out to bless every soul along the path.

Join thousands of devotees as we pull the grand, flower-adorned chariots of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi down vibrant Yonge Street, accompanied by ecstatic kirtan, dancing, and drums.

Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, 2025 – Festival at Centre Island

Centre Island

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8 PM

Sunday : 11 AM – 5 PM

Take the ferry or water taxi across the lake and enter a world of devotion and celebration! This family-friendly day is packed with spiritual and cultural delights:

Live Kirtan & Bhajans

Free Vegetarian Feast for All Visitors

Cultural Stage Performances

Vedic Exhibits, Books, and Devotional Art

Yoga & Meditation Tents

Kids’ Activities & Face Painting

Getting to Centre Island

Festival continues at Centre Island on Saturday and Sunday (You will require separate tickets for both days)

There are two convenient ways to get to the island for the Sunday celebrations:

1. City of Toronto – Centre Island Ferry Service

Jack Layton Ferry Terminal – 9 Queens Quay W

We strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance at www.toronto.ca/ferry to avoid long lineups
Ferries run regularly and drop you at the Centre Island dock
This is a return ticket with NO purchase required on Centre Island
Separate tickets required for Saturday and Sunday
The lines ups are long so please take care of your children, remain hydrated and protected from the sun

2. Water Taxi (Pirate Taxi – Special Discount for Festival Guests!)

Departs from 235 Queens Quay W about a 10 minute walk from the end of the parade

Quick, scenic, and less crowded than the ferry
ISKCON Toronto has partnered with Pirate Taxi to offer discounted one-way fares for Chariot Fest attendees. The offer expires on July 9. Please book your tickets through the QR code
This is a one way ticket and you will have to buy 2 for a round trip through the code. Non-Discounted tickets can be bought on the day of on the island or mainland