Festival of Chariots comes to Ermelo
Lord Krishna devotees pulled a canopied chariot decorated with flowers with long, thick ropes.
Iskcon Mpumalanga hosted a Festival of Chariots that took place this Sunday amid much colour and splendour.
The festival, referred to as Ratha Yatra, literally means “Chariot Festival”.
It originated 5 000 years ago in India, on the East Coast state of Orrisa, in a city called Jagannatha Puri.
It symbolises the importance of casting worldly desires aside to form a stronger relationship with Lord Krishna.
Sunday’s festival began in Cassim Park where leader Ramagovinda Swami briefed guests and devotees on what Ratha Yatra is about.
The street procession was the highlight of the day, where devotees pulled a canopied chariot decorated with flowers with long, thick ropes.
Women swept the streets with golden brooms before the carriage could pass, while the rest of the devotees ecstatically danced to the music played by the band and chanted the Lord Krishna’s names.
Church Street came alive with music and colour as the procession passed through on their way to the Ella de Bruin Hall at the Civic Centre.
Guests and participants were treated to vegetarian cuisine available at food stalls situated around the hall.
They also were invited to take part in the Mantra Meditation and Vedic Philosophy.
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