Come join us on September 15 2023 for kirtan at Strathcona Park, 25 Range Rd. Chanting will begin at 6:00 PM and will be followed by some vegetarian snacks. Chanting and dancing together will help to set the mood for the Festival of the Chariots, or Ratha Yatra, on the following day, September 16. At 11:00 am at the intersection of Templeton St and Marlborough Ave (Sandy Hill) devotees will come together to pull the Festive Cart through the streets. Together we will recreate this ancient festival celebrating India’s spirituality and rich culture. The parade will proceed through the streets until it reaches Sandy Hill Community Center Park at 1:00 PM. The large, colorful float will be beautifully decorated and accompanied by scores of people joining together to move the cart. In addition, they will be singing devotional songs (kirtan), dancing & playing musical instruments side by side creating an exceptional procession. Admission is free!!  

The Sandy Hill Community Centre park program features a main stage, with kirtan, (musical mantra meditation) performances, classical Indian dance and other cultural activities. At the site we will also offer a free, multicourse vegetarian feast, face painting/henna tattoos, children’s activities, and more.  

Ratha Yatra has been celebrated for thousands of years in Jagannatha Puri, India where it attracts millions annually. The deity of Lord Krishna is taken out of the temple amidst great fanfare and is placed on large chariots. Today similar festivals are celebrated in major cities all over the world including New York, Los Angeles, Dublin & London and now OTTAWA!  

Don’t miss this ancient Indian tradition where people from various walks of life come together to demonstrate the best of the East and West in a beautiful demonstration of friendship, appreciation & unity centered around serving the Lord.