Leicester’s Festival of Chariots returns with 40ft chariot parade

Kerry Smith
6 days ago
1 min read

The Festival of Chariots is one of Leicester’s most vibrant and inclusive cultural events.

Women in colorful sarees dance joyfully on a city street during the Leicester Festival of Chariots vibrant parade. A temple structure is in the background.

The Leicester Rathayatra – Festival of Chariots will take place on Saturday, June 22. Colour, music, and spiritual celebration will burst into the city centre streets.

Crowd in the vibrant Leicester Festival of Chariots parade with colourful flags and banners in a city square. A clock tower in the background adds to the festive mood.

A highlight of the day will be a 40-foot hand-pulled chariot, accompanied by crowds singing ancient Sanskrit mantras, dancing in unison, and sharing messages of peace, unity and joy.

The day starts with the Pahandi Vijaya welcome ceremony at 9am at the ISKCON Leicester temple, where traditional dancers and devotees prepare for the procession.

At 11:30am, the grand street parade begins in Leicester city centre, turning the streets into a celebration of sights, sounds and soul-stirring energy.

From 2:30pm to 5pm, the festivities move to Cossington Park where families can enjoy a free festival featuring live music, cultural performances, children’s activities, and free vegetarian food.

Colorful poster for Leicester Festival of the Chariots on June 22, 2025. Features a vibrant chariot, event info, and QR code for donations.

Whether you’re drawn in by the rhythm of the drums, the spiritual meaning behind the celebration, or simply the promise of a joyful, community-led day out, Leicester Rathayatra Festival of Chariots 2025 promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience open to everyone.

Share your photos with #LeicesterRathayatra2025 and follow @iskconleicester for updates.

For full details and the route map, visit iskconleicester.org.