Durban festival the largest outside India
DURBAN is known for its wonderful Festival of Chariots – the cart festival of Lord Jagannath, also known as the Ratha-Yatra festival – and the four-day event is billed as the largest outside of India.
To me, this is such an interesting statement and perhaps an even better comparison of what Durban has to offer, when it comes to this beautiful festival.
It offers a true and real combination of the value system of “what really matters” – helping to bring about peace, love and togetherness within our melting pot of cultures.
Although this festival dates back to ancient India – it stands as timeless.
Last year, my family and I had the opportunity to participate in this glorious festival in London. Our travel dates coincided with the 50th annual Festival of Chariots in Trafalgar Square.
I was delighted when I realised I would witness and pull on the ropes of the chariots through Piccadilly Circus all the way through to rest at the public square of Westminster.
Move-over, I think my excitement arose through curiosity as I longed to experience what the London festival had on offer.
On the morning of the festival, we set-off in true tourist style.
The first stop was visiting St Paul’s Cathedral to take in the beautiful architecture and magnificent choir.
Then a walk to Tower Bridge and thereafter boarding a double-decker bus to take us to the start of the chariot parade. Engulfed with excitement – our best part of the day was about to begin.
My daughters were equally excited to be a part of the Ratha-Yatra in London and with my little girl wanting to enjoy some sort of face-painting that the festival in Durban is also known for.
We pulled on the ropes of all three magnificent chariots of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subadra. The route was about 4km long and we followed through to the end.
As the chariots came to rest at the Square – the cramped tent city was a hustle and bustle.
It was a hot day too and the queues for face painting and henna were dreadfully long.
My elder daughter grew impatient as the sun was at its peak and shade was welcome. We needed to take a few deep breaths, wait our turn and then take a walk around the festival grounds.
I could be challenged on the point of bias, but I profess that my heart and experience tells me that Durban does put on one great festival.
Of course, wherever the mighty Lord Jagannath is present there is magnificence and everything becomes a vision of beauty.
Here in Durban our four-day festival offers such wealth of variety. The array of tents that house a wide range of interactive sessions, discourses, cuisine, lifestyle, shopping and so much more – really does set this festival apart.
We have a big festival site, and we use the grounds so wisely to put on a great show, a memorable one that will create not only a family experience but also one that will spark the connection to the higher purpose of life.
As part of the festival planning committee for many years now, I know the effort, thought and organisation that goes on behind the scenes to pull off a really wonderful festival.
The operational side is also a mammoth task to ensure compliance, safety and the smooth flowing of an event that attracts over a 100 000 visitors.
Durban does delight when it comes to the Festival of Chariots. Be sure to be there. Bring the family along as it is indeed a family festival in every way.
It is free, there are tons of entertainment for the young and old – don’t forget the warm vegetarian meals that are always a winner.
See you there.
● Krsangi Radhi Dasi is the Iskcon public relations manager