Continuing an annual tradition, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Kolkata, held a colorful Rath Yatra celebration on 10 July 2013. Outside the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Chakraberia Road, Vedic pujan rituals of the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Jagannathji, Subhadraji and Balbhadraji were performed in the afternoon. Invited dignitaries then swept the road in front of the main chariot before pulling it for a short distance, joined by devotees and wellwishers in this traditional procession.
The grand parade featured the BAPS Kolkata Youth 'Scottish Pipes' Marching Band, children dressed as famous devotees of the past, women in traditional costumes and a float carrying a miniature yagna pit. Thousands of onlookers throughout the route enjoyed the delightful procession, which returned to the mandir and concluded at 7.00 p.m.