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Ratha Yatra, also called the Parade of Chariots, is one of the world’s oldest street festivals. The festival celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath to see his consort Radha. The first recorded Ratha Yatra festival took place in Puri, Odisha, India.

Indians have celebrated Ratha Yatra for centuries, but the street festival was virtually unknown beyond India’s borders. On July 9, 1967, the Ratha Yatra street festival came to New York City, where it became an annual tradition.

Philadelphia held its first Ratha Yatra celebration in 1972. More than 5,000 people have participated in the Philly Ratha Yatra Street Festival annually.

The Philly Ratha Yatra journey begins on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Love Park. During the parade, attendees pull ropes that help guide the deities to the temporary home on Eakins Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On the Oval, attendees continue the celebration with music, yoga, dancing, and food.