Mumbai, Jan 14:

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness' Chowpatty Temple took out the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra from Shivaji Park with the participation of nearly half a million devotees here on Saturday afternoon.

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ISKCON spiritual leader H.H. Radhanath Swami Maharaj performed the 'maha-aarti' on the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Baldev and Subhadra before the procession started and ended peacefully.

"On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, Uttaraayan which is the time for peace and prosperity, we celebrate the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as the Sun begins it six-month long northward journey," Radhananth Swami said.

Makar Sankranti marks the first solar festival which takes place after the Winter Solstice and signifies the return of longer, warmer days.

Similarly, when one takes shelter of Lord Jagannath and participates in the Rath Yatra, he makes a start for the brighter side of his life, and will enjoy happiness eternally, Radhanath Swami explained.

Considered the biggest Rath Yatra in the world after the famed Puri Rath Yatra, the ISKCON procession included spiritual and vedic activities for the people, 56 Bhoga offerings and concluded by a Mangal Yagnya at Shivaji Park. (IANS)