By Press Trust Of India
London, July 10, 2007
First Published: 14:26 IST(10/7/2007)
Last Updated: 15:25 IST(10/7/2007)
London will host the 39th ‘Ratha-yatra Carnival of Chariots’ on July 29. The annual Hare Krishna festival will be a colourful display of Indian culture and spirituality in the city.
Hundreds of festival goers, pilgrims and faith leaders from all over the world will hand-pull the three 40-foot high colourful wooden chariots carrying the sacred deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.
The giant chariots will be accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians and dancers. London will pulsate to Indian spiritual sounds with instruments from across the globe.
At Trafalgar Square, where the process comes to an end, revellers will participate in a cultural and educational fair, delving into the spiritual heart of India.
The Square will be decorated by colourful host of tents offering music, food, literature, sari-draping, face-painting and educationa l displays. On stage, festival-goers will be entertained by traditional temple dance, drama and music.
Free Indian vegetarian food will be served on the occasion.
Praghosa Das, leader of the Hare Krishna Movement in the United Kingdom said, “This festival will be an amazing East-meets-West experience and everyone is welcome. This festival celebrates the common spirituality that unites us all.”