* London?s Ancient Festival of Chariots

London?s Ancient Festival of Chariots

Chanting, Dancing & Feasting

When: Sunday 12th June 2011
Where: Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square
Time: Procession starts 12 noon from Hyde Park, South Carriage Drive
Arrives Trafalgar Square 14.30
Festival ends 17.30

London?s ‘Ratha Yatra? Festival of Chariots returns to the streets of the capital on Sunday 12 June 2011. London will be illuminated by the wonderful colours and sounds of the annual festival, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and spirituality in our city.

Thousands of festival-goers from all over the world will hand-pull the three 40-foot high colourful chariots carrying the Deities of Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. The giant chariots will be accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians, and dancers. London will pulsate to Indian spiritual sounds with instruments from across the globe.

At Trafalgar Square, where the procession concludes, the whole family can enjoy cultural and educational displays and exhibitions, revealing the spiritual heart of India. Revellers can participate in lively workshops, sample traditional Indian music, food, yoga and literature, or try sari-draping and face-painting. From the stage, festival-goers will be, amongst other things, treated to traditional Odissi temple dance, contemporary dramas, and energising mantra chants. In addition to all this, free sumptuous Indian vegetarian cuisine will add to a special family outing. It will indeed be a feast for the eyes, ears and the palate!