Spiritual Festival of Chariots graces Estcourt

Dozens of people were part of this internationally celebrated festival

March 22, 2019

Danielle Greaves 1 minute read

Lit up with pops of bright colours was the Estcourt Town Hall as the Festival of Chariots procession got underway on Saturday.

ALSO SEE: Memorable times at the 2019 WAMBA Festival

This spectacular festival, which is celebrated internationally, is also known as the Ratha Yatra.

Local and visiting devotees came out in their numbers, dressed in their finest, as they prepared to commemorate the 2019 festival.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) deities, which were placed upon the chariot, were brought to the venue in luxury vehicles.

Cheerful chants filled with excitement made for the perfect welcome for each deity.

The colourful chariot towered over the many devotees, as the festival took-off.

Devotees, on either side of the chariot, pulled on the rope, singing praise songs, as other devotees displayed their devotion by erupting in vibrant dances along the way.

As the chariot returned, the festival concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian lunch while there were various activities relating to spiritual development.