By Malati devi dasi
Beginning at noon on Saturday, July 11, New Vrindaban Community will host the annual Chariot Festival. The festival will feature a large hand-pulled chariot, colorfully decorated with flowers, flags, balloons and festoons. There will also be a smaller hand-pulled cart with two dancing figurines, as well as live music throughout the procession. The procession route is less than a mile long and can be easily walked by all age groups. The procession will begin a short distance up the road from Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold (the landmark is a large brown plastic log house on the left side). The procession will travel down to the main compound in a leisurely fashion, stopping here and there along the route, giving way to song and dance. This festival originated in India, where it is known as “Ratha Yatra.” It is now held in hundreds of cities worldwide, including North American cities such as NYC, LA, Boston, Dallas, Vancouver, Miami, Toronto and Montreal.
Following the procession, there will be additional family-friendly activities at the compound. Children’s activities will include face painting and a bouncy castle. There will be informal entertainment throughout.
At sundown, there will be a torch-lit procession to the lake, featuring a Swan Boat and fireworks.
For more information about these two free events or about New Vrindaban Community, contact (304) 845-9591or info108@aol.com.