Ratha-yatra, or the Festival of Chariots, is a joyous event that has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years in the ancient holy city of Puri in Orissa, India, making it the oldest street festival in the world. Since 1967, when the festival was first held in San Francisco thanks to the efforts of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Ratha-Yatra has been celebrated in all major Western cities throughout the world. The cultural festival consists of a procession when devotees pull huge festive ... view more »
Ratha-yatra, or the Festival of Chariots, is a joyous event that has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years in the ancient holy city of Puri in Orissa, India, making it the oldest street festival in the world. Since 1967, when the festival was first held in San Francisco thanks to the efforts of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Ratha-Yatra has been celebrated in all major Western cities throughout the world. The cultural festival consists of a procession when devotees pull huge festive chariots carrying Deities of Krishna while chanting and dancing joyfully, culminating in a “Festival of India” set up in a city park, complete with festival tents, entertainment stages, free-feast booths, and a variety of cultural displays and exhibits.
The inaugural event in San Antonio will bring a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and spirituality to Woodlawn Lake Park. In addition to the cart procession, there will be live vendors, kirtan music (meditation music with ancient chants), art installations, traditional Bharatanatyam dance, drama and theatre, live music, free vegetarian Indian cuisine, cultural displays and presentations, henna, live art, free yoga and more. The festival also looks to include various non-profit organizations and cultural groups. This will be the first edition of an all inclusive festival that will surely grow, as it has year after year in the other major cities where it is celebrated. Our theme this year is “Harmonizing Culture and Identity With a Universal Smile”.
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