Hare Krishna Devotees Stage Spectacular Parade

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HARE KRISHNA DEVOTEES STAGE SPECTACULAR PARADE

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10:30 - 04 August 2008

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.u...entPK=21218966


Hundreds of Hare Krishna devotees from all over the world took to the streets to lead three colourful chariots in a religious parade.

The 40ft red, yellow and green chariots were pulled through the streets of Leicester for the Rathayatra festival, the biggest Hindu procession ever held in the Midlands.

The number of chariots was increased from one to three this year, making Leicester just the second city in Europe, behind London, to host the festival on such a large scale.


Worshippers chanted, danced and carried brightly-coloured pendants as part of the annual celebrations. The event symbolises the return home to Vrindavana of Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna, and has been held in Leicester for 14 years.

The lively procession set off from Humberstone Gate at about midday yesterday, leading followers up to Cossington Park for an afternoon of Indian music, drama and dance.

Pradyumna Das, spokesman for the parade, said: "This is the first time we have had three chariots, which is traditional for celebrating the festival."

Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Manjula Sood, opened the festival.

She said: "It is a great event. As the Lord Mayor, it is a great honour for me to be here."

The Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival has been celebrated for more than 5,000 years, and is believed to be the oldest street festival in the world.

Devotees believe that, if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariots, carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe, then at the end of this life they will be granted eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual world.