News / Festival of Chariots
Hindu chariot festival rolls through Bristol
Bristol was awash with colour on Saturday afternoon as a sacred chariot procession rolled through the city centre streets and worshippers and onlookers danced, sang and shared free food.
Dozens of Hindu devotees were gathering to take part in the annual Rathayatra, or ‘Festival of Chariots’ – a 5,000-year-old celebration observed by followers of Lord Krishna all over the world.
Under sunny skies in Bristol, the joyful parade featured two ornate wooden chariots, one big and one designed for children, pulled by hand from the Centre to Castle Park.
The festival was organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Bristol
The sounds of rhythmic drumming and chants of “Hare Krishna” filled the air while women in striking saris and monks in orange robes took part along the parade which set off at about 1pm.
The festivities culminated in St Peter’s Square with cultural performances, live music, speeches, meditation, dance, yoga and a free vegetarian feast which was open to all.
Among those taking part was organiser Priya Gupta who told Bristol24/7 that it was an opportunity to bring people together who could not otherwise access a Hindu temple for the special event.
“We are here to have music, dance and then we have a feast for everybody,” she said, speaking as the final touches were being added to the main chariot.
Dating back thousands of years, the Festival of Chariots is considered one of the oldest continuing street festivals in the world
Reflecting on the meaning of the festival, Priya said: “We want to celebrate in this era of so many difficulties.
“We have so many ways to enjoy our life in a positive way. So we are just doing that.”
She added: “So we are just too encouraging people to just come and join us and have a nice procession while dancing, then you forget all your worries with sunshine.”
A vanguard of vibrantly dressed worshippers trailed along the procession through our city
During the festival, the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed on an ornate chariot and paraded through the streets, recreating a tradition that originated in the city of Puri, India, and has been celebrated for centuries.
All photos: Rob Browne
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
