August 10, 2014

Chariot Fest of India

 Yes, you read that right: Indian Chariot Festival. I wasn't quite sure what to expect myself, and anyone that goes expecting Ben-Hur or Queen Boudica will be disappointed, but if you are looking for a splash of colour and culture, its a pretty neat event that has been a part of our neighbourhood for 41 years and this was the first I had heard of it.
 The chariot itself was around 50 feet high and had this fellow riding in the front along with a few others. The people infront of the chariot were symbolically pulling it on ropes, but it contentedly ran along on a little motor to make it easy on everyone. The event honours the god Jagannatha who apparently leaves the temple once a year to ride in a chariot.
 There was a nice festival near Second Beach after the procession and unlike most of the parades I've seen lately, this one had a yoga booth right across the way from a free feast. Each year the organizers prepare enough vegetarian food to feed 20,000 people which is given away free and I can certainly attest is delicious. There were also displays on vegetarianism and reincarnation along with the usual childrens theatres, music stages and gifts.