Hare Krishna devotees pull the giant chariot past the Clock Tower on its way to Cossington Park, Belgrave
By DavidWOwen for the Leicester Mercury
Thousands of people gathered in the city centre to enjoy a colourful procession of Hare Krishna devotees pulling a giant chariot.
Crowds gathered in Granby Street, today, for the annual Rathayatra Festival of Chariots.
The event, organised by the Leicester chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is the second largest celebration of its kind in Europe.
It celebrates the Hindu tradition when God goes out into the streets to share his joy with the people.
The 90ft chariot carried the Deities of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and Lord Balarama – accompanied by music, singing, and dancing.
The event began with an inauguration ceremony attended by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and community leaders at the Hare Krishna Centre, in Granby Street.
The procession then made its way to Cossington Park, Belgrave, arriving in the afternoon for a free festival offering free vegetarian food, music , drama and family entertainment for up to 10,000 people.
For Asha Shaunak, 70, of Evington, the Festival of Chariots is a particularly special day.
She said: “My family originate from near the holy city of Puri, in eastern India, where the festival began over 5,000 years ago.
“I’ve lived in Leicester for more than 40 years and if fills me with such pride that we have it here too, thousands of miles away.”
Ramesh Mashry, 70, from Belgrave, added: “I come down here every year.
“There is such a wonderful atmosphere and a smile on everyone’s faces.
“It’s a spiritual occasion where everyone, no matter what age or background can come and share in together.”
Jackie Parcell, 59, travelled from Yorkshire, to be part of the procession.
She said: “We are all one big family. Our God is a universal God.”
Nima Suchak, spokeswoman for the Leicester ISKCON, said: “There’s been an incredible atmosphere. It’s been such a joyful occasion and the chariot was most beautiful.”
City Councillor Rashmikant Joshi added: “The sun came out for us and everyone was having a wonderful time together.
“We are so lucky in Leicester to have such diverse and inclusive festivals as we do.”
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