A `Ratha yathra' of Lords Balaram and Krishna was conducted today by ISKCON, Bangalore, for the first time after the ISKCON temple was established in the City. The yathra was organised on the occasion of Ratha sapthami'.

Hundreds of enthusiastic devotees were part of the yathra chanting the slogan `Hare Ram Hare Krishna.'

The yathra proceeded from the temple on to Dr Rajkumar Road through Navrang and returned to the temple.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the yathra, Jayapataka Swami of the ISKCON movement urged people to follow the sanathana dharma to lead a peaceful and prosperous life.

The yathra, he said, was like the Lord coming to see the people and not the people coming to see the Lord.

Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Mayor J Huchappa, who spoke on the occasion, said ISKCON was rendering not only spiritual service to society, but social service as well. Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar opined that the temple had become a centre for spiritualism and hope.

It is guiding people to follow `the right path,' he added. Corporator of the area N L Narendra Babu was present.