By Sebastian J. Rutkowski
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Chariot Festival, Ratha Yatra is a colourful and vibrant public festival that dates back thousands of years to ancient India. It features a huge chariot pulled by hand, accompanied by music and dancing, culminating in a fun-filled afternoon of stage shows and exhibitions as well as a free, sumptuous vegetarian feast.
Ratha Yatra is celebrated all over the world and was first introduced to the West in 1967 in San Francisco by ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada and his American disciples. This year the festival team is delighted to return to Dublin on its European tour.
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One of the Gards (Police), on duty said to me it is their favourite event of year because everyone has a smile on their face (including the Gardai — Police) and there is so much colour, joy and fun. He said from a personal point of view what he loves best is that many tourists approach him during the parade, asking him what the festival is about and he then gets to explain to them all he has learned about the festival over the years!
So now we have a Jagannatha bhakta in the Irish police force!