The Mangalore branch of International Society of Krishna Consiousness (ISKCON) organised its 5th annual Srikrishna Balarama Ratha Yatra in Mangalore on Saturday. The rath yathra, fashioned on the lines of the one in Puri, started near Hotel Navaratna in K S Rao Road after an inaugural puja at 5.30 pm.

ISCKCON Chennai President Swami Stoka Krishna Dasa, former MLA N Yogish Bhat and  MUDA former chairman K Thejomaya were present at the inaugural function. Hundreds of devotees assembled to pull the ratha, leading the rathyathra through P M Rao Road, Vamanashram Road, Car Street, Alake, Warehouse road, Mannagudda Main road, M G Road and PVS circle, culminating in T V Raman Pai Hall around 9 pm. The rath yathra was followed by sankirtan and Mahamangala arathi. Dinner Prasadam was served for all.

In connection with the rath yatra, special programmes are orgnised on Sunday at TV Raman Pai Hall. This includes Panchamruta Abhisheka for Lord Sri Krishna Balarama followed by Mahamangala arati and sankirtan.