News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026) June 26, 2026 10 Community Thousands Throng To 50th Anniversary Of ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Festival In NYC T he heart of NewYork City came alive June 13, 2026, with the chants of Hare Krishna Hare Ram! Drums, and music as thousands gathered to celebrate the Hare Krishna Festival, also known as Ratha-yatra or the Festival of Chariots. The massive procession accompanied three giant hand-pulled chariots traveling down Fifth Avenue from 41st St toWashington Square Park., marking the 50th anniversary. The Golden Jubilee celebration coincided with another historic milestone for ISKCON: the 60th anniversary of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded in NewYork City in 1966 by Bhaktive- danta Swami Prabhupada. Among the high profile guests were a representative from the Indian Consulate Mahesh Yadav, as well as Padma Shri recipi- ent Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Dr. Sudha Parikh. ParikhWorldwide Media covered the event on ITV Gold its sister television channel. Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Sudha Parikh thanked organizers for inviting them and praised the elaborate celebrations and the organizers for keeping up the tradition. In addition to the chanting and music, there were cultural performances, yoga and meditation programs, as well as spiritual exhibits and a complimentary vegetarian feast. The inaugural Fifth Avenue festival 50 years ago also drew thousands of participants and spectators. The New York Times described it as a moment when “East Meets West,” highlighting the unique gathering of Indian im- migrants, NewYorkers and international visitors celebrat- ing one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, the press release from ISKCON said. “The festival’s longevity also reflects NewYork City’s unique role as a global crossroads. For fifty years, Ratha- yatra has brought together NewYorkers and international visitors of all faith backgrounds in a joyful public celebra- tion,” organizers noted. A special highlight of the 2026 Golden Ju- bilee was the return of the original chariot of Srimati Subhadra Devi, which was restored to its original form which Srila Prabhupada rode during the inaugural 1976 procession. “The 50th anniversary of NewYork Ratha- yatra is much more than a celebration of a festival—it is a celebration of a vision,” said President of ISKCON NewYork City Hansa- rupa Dasa, “When Srila Prabhupada brought Lord Jagannatha down Fifth Avenue in 1976, he demonstrated that NewYork City could become a meeting place for the world’s spiri- tual and cultural traditions. Fifty years later, we are honored to celebrate the continuation of that legacy by welcoming people of every background to experience the joy of kirtan, the spirit of community and the timeless wisdom of bhakti-yoga.” More than 20,000 plates of complimentary prasad, sanctified vegetarian cuisine, were distributed to attendees. From humble beginnings in a Lower East Side storefront, ISKCON has grown into a global spiritual movement with hundreds of temples, educational institutions, farms, restaurants and cultural centers around the world. “Few events better illustrate Srila Prabhupada’s impact on NewYork and the world than the annual Ratha-yatra Festival,” said ISKCON NYC Communications Coordina- tor Pancharatna Dasa. “Today, this festival is part of a global tradition celebrated in hundreds of cities across six continents.” By a StaffWriter Thousands of people congregated for the 50th anniversary of the ISKCON Rath Yatra June 13, 2026, in NYC. PHOTO: ISKCON Thousands Celebrate International Yoga Day At Chicagoland’s Largest Yoga Gathering T housands of participants gath- ered at the Naperville Yard Sports Complex for one of Chicago- land’s largest International Yoga Day celebrations, organized by Mindful Meditation Yoga under the leadership of Anu Malhotra in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Chicago. The event brought together community leaders, elected officials, yoga enthusiasts, and families for a day dedicated to well- ness, mindfulness, and unity. The program featured inspiring musical performances, yoga-themed cultural presentations, a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, and a large-scale yoga and meditation session led by Anu Malhotra. Distinguished guests included Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, Naper- ville Mayor ScottWehrli, First Lady Linda Wehrli, and Councilwoman Supna Jain, along with representatives from numer- ous community organizations and partner groups, Asian Media USA said in a press release. A special highlight of the event was the recognition of Malhotra by Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Chairman of GSA Global Eye Magazine USA and Founder of the Ameri- can Multiethnic Commission (AMEC), for her more than three decades of dedicated service promoting yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness. The celebration also featured the pre- sentation of the Seva Ratna Award to Rajat Sahani and Meenakshi Sahani of Shimla Peppers for their generous community service and sponsorship of lunch for all attendees. PHOTOS:ASIAN MEDIA USA Thousands gather for International Dah of Yoga in Naperville, Illinois, the largest in Chicagoland, June 14, 2026. Lamp lighting ceremony for the International Day of Yoga celebration June 14, 2026. By Bhailal M. Patel