Festival of India returns to Vancouver to celebrate its 51st anniversary
The festival will feature a parade, live music, cultural activities, and a free feast, all celebrated with the chanting of kirtans
Festival of India's parade will take place on Aug. 18 and is about two kilometres long. (Submitted)
The annual Festival of India, Ratha Yatra, will return to Vancouver on Aug. 17 and 18, featuring a parade and cultural performances at Creekside Park.
“Ratha Yatra, in English, translates as festival of chariots,” says Nitya Kishori, temple council member at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
“That’s the day when the Lord comes outside the temple … and he is [allowing] all of us to pull the rope. The rope [symbolizes] welcoming the Lord into our hearts.”
Originating in Puri, India, the festival expanded to other places in the world after Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, introduced the festival in ISKCON centres around the world, Kishori says.
“Not everyone can attend [in Puri] …. So, our founder … said that the Lord is everywhere, you don’t have to go to India. This festival first started in San Francisco and then later [went] to different cities,” Kishori says, adding that Vancouver hosts the second largest festival in Canada after Toronto.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the parade, in which the chariot, or yatra, is pulled by people from the temple using a rope. The procession is accompanied by chants, dances, and musical instruments.
“We all go to our temples or churches to see the Lord on Sundays or on any festivals. But on this day, the Lord is coming out, giving his mercy, [and] letting everyone look at his smiling face,” Kishori says.
The parade starts on Aug. 18 at noon at Concord Pacific before making its way along Pacific Boulevard and turning right on Quebec Street, right on East 1st Avenue, right on Ontario Street, and left on Athletes Way, ending at Hinge Park.
This year’s festival features two stages — one for the general public and one for children. The main stage will host various performances, including chanting and singing kirtan, a devotional narrating song.
Performers will come from Oregon, California, and Utah, in addition to the local musical group, Kirtan Vancouver, headed by singer Krishna Prana.
“They’re going to be on the stage and sing this kirtan in different melodious tunes,” says Kishori, adding that the main goal is “to chant and be happy.”
Other activities include traditional dances, yoga sessions, henna, face paintings, and a free feast, called prasadam.
“We have vegan and vegetarian food, which is good for nature in general, and B.C. is so much into protecting the environment,” Kishori says.
“We want to ensure that nature is taken care of [and] we want to give it back to the community, give it back to nature, and be thankful to whatever Krishna or God has given us.”
One of the festival goal’s is to promote equality, care, and compassion, Kishori says, adding everyone is welcome to join.
“We want the community to feel happy [and] bliss looking at everyone’s faces, get ready nicely in colourful clothes, wear nice face painting, and join the dancing.”
