Devotees throng the ISKCON Jagannath temple in Vijayawada for Nava Yauvana darshan

Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra during the Nava Yauvaana darshan at the ISKCON temple in Vijayawada on Wednesday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Devotees gathered at ISKCON’s Sri Jagannath Mandir near Skew Bridge in Krishnalanka on Wednesday (July 16, 2026) to witness the sacred ‘Nava Yauvana Darshan’ (Netrotsava) of Lord Jagannath, marking the first public darshan of the deities after the traditional Anavasara 15 period.

According to a statement from the temple, Nava Yauvana Darshan is considered auspicious as it marks the reunion of devotees with the Lord after a period of separation, making it one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Jagannath tradition.

Devotees thronged the temple in large numbers from the early hours of the morning, offering prayers and participating in celebrations to the sound of traditional musical instruments.

ISKCON, Vijayawada has been organizing Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra for the past seven years. This year’s yatra will be held on July 16 starting at 2 pm from Sitara Grounds. The chariot procession will pass through Bhavanipuram, Swathi Center and Kanaka Durga Temple Road before arriving at Seethamma Vari Paadalu around 7:00 pm.

Temple President Sriman Chakradhari Dasa invited devotees to participate in the Ratha Yatra.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 11:27 IST