Hare Krishna festival lifts Londoners' spirits
19 July 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Over
25,000 people participated in the 37th London "Ratha-yatra Carnival
of Chariots" last Sunday 17th July 2005.
The annual Hare Krishna festival was a colourful display of London's
multicultural and multi-faith community. Three 40-foot high colourful
chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and
Lord Balarama were hand-pulled by a 5,000 strong procession, from Hyde
Park to Trafalgar Square, accompanied by singers, musicians, and dancers.
At Trafalgar Square, where the procession came to an end, the three
chariots were lined up against the British Gallery, while festival-goers
participated in a cultural and educational fair. A colourful host of
tents offered music, food, multi-media exhibitions, face-painting, and
a `try-a- sari' experience.
On stage, onlookers were treated to a performance from the Nitai Dance
Group, as well as classical Indian dance, and devotional music by the
Hare Krishna Festival Troupe. Free Indian vegetarian meals were distributed
to all the revellers.
Londoners and tourists alike mentioned how uplifting the festival was,
especially after the trauma news of the London bombings. "I came
with my girlfriend, and it's so nice to see the colours and smiles on
everyone's faces," said one London man.
History
The traditional Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a celebration over 5000 years-
old, observed in the ancient holy city of Jagannath Puri in Orissa,
India, making it the oldest street festival in the world.
East meets West
This ancient festival was brought to the western shores by His Divine
Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami, founder of the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness. The first Ratha-yatra festival outside of India
took place in San Francisco in 1967. This festival came to London in
1969, where it has been faithfully observed every year for the last
37 years attracting more than 15,000 people.
Public enquiries
The Radha Krishna Temple, 10 Soho Street, London W1V 5DA
Tel: 020 7437 3662
Website: www.iskcon.org.uk/rathayatra
Media enquiries
Images available upon request
Varsana devi dasi
Tel: 01923 852819
Mobile: 07788453756
E-mail:
Bimal Krishna das
Mobile: 07958 464072
E-mail:
Nima Suchak
Mobile: 07974677170
E-mail:
