Hare Krishna Festival Returns to Washington Square Park Saturday, June 14th

+ Photos from 2024’s Festival

The Hare Krishna Festival returns to Washington Square Park Saturday, June 14th from 12 noon to 7 p.m. The Festival has been an annual tradition at the park for years now. A parade led by three large red chariots proceeds downtown Fifth Avenue into Washington Square with music, dancing and chanting. Inside the park, there will be meditation, spiritual discussions, performances and a free vegetarian feast which is always a big hit! This event is always uplifting, vibrant and fun.

From the organizers:

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the 50th Annual Hare Krishna Parade and Festival, also known as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, comes to New York City on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:00pm to 7:00pm.

The festival begins with Ratha Yatra, an ancient and beloved festival cherished by Hindus worldwide, that will come to life with a magnificent parade down New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, starting at E 45th Street and concluding at Washington Square Park. Prepare to be captivated as the three majestic hand-pulled chariots, each soaring 50 feet high and adorned with resplendent red, yellow, and green cloth canopies, gracefully glide along the parade route.

This exceptional event, one of only five parades permitted on 5th Avenue, will bring together thousands of jubilant participants who will dance, and sing, playing traditional rhythmic drums and cymbals, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and devotion.

Immerse yourself in the festivities at the main festival site in Washington Square park, where the main stage will showcase captivating music, cultural and spiritual performances by esteemed professional artists and talented local community groups. Delve into the rich tapestry of spiritual and cultural exhibitions, partake in enlightening meditation classes, and savor a delectable complimentary vegetarian feast. This incredible experience is open to the public, and admission is free.

The New York Hare Krishna Parade and Festival, proudly sponsored by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, was inaugurated in 1976 by the visionary founder and spiritual teacher, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This extraordinary celebration extends to cities worldwide, including London, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, Philadelphia, Melbourne, Nairobi, Durban, Mumbai, Kolkata, Mexico City, and many others.