Your news: Ten years of Crawley's Rathayatra

There was music, singing and dancing on Saturday as Crawley hosted its tenth Festival of Chariots.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2017, 11:59 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 13:05 BST

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Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716344 SUS-170717-125255001Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716344 SUS-170717-125255001
Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716344 SUS-170717-125255001

A statement from the organisers said: “Last Saturday 15th July Crawley saw its tenth Rathayatra, or Festival of Chariots, take place in town centre.

“With a free vegetarian meal, live music and puppet shows, henna and face painting for the kids and various other stalls – it was the perfect day out for the family.

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“Despite a change in venue from Town Centre to Memorial Gardens, guests came out in throngs to witness the hand-drawn chariot being pulled through the gardens.

Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716334 SUS-170717-125244001Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716334 SUS-170717-125244001
Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716334 SUS-170717-125244001

“Passersby were amazed at the vibrancy of the whole festival, and noted how the gardens were buzzing with activity during the entirety of the event.

“The colours, music, and aroma all created a festival for the senses. Delicious vegetarian food was provided free to everyone courtesy of Food for Life London.

“Live music with singing and dancing accompanied the chariot as it went around the gardens – a group of people even took this party through town centre!

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“Organisers noted how the new venue created an intimate environment that was constantly lively and welcoming throughout the day. The gardens allowed for more space for the festival and guests took advantage of this and spent more time wandering through the stalls.

Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716332 SUS-170717-125231001Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716332 SUS-170717-125231001
Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716332 SUS-170717-125231001

“The members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness all helped to put this festival together – and seeing it run for the past ten years gives them hope that it will continue for many years into the future – in a bigger and better fashion!”

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Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716315 SUS-170717-125219001Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716315 SUS-170717-125219001
Festival of Chariots (Rathayatra) in Memorial Gardens, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1716315 SUS-170717-125219001

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