Festival's a feast for the eyes; CULTURE: Chariot takes to the streets of Brum to mark religious celebration.Byline: By Tony Collins A GIANT wooden chariot chariot, earliest and simplest type of carriage and the chief vehicle of many ancient peoples. The chariot was known among the Babylonians before the introduction of horses c.2000 B.C. and was first drawn by asses. The chariot and horse introduced into Egypt c.1700 B. took to the streets of Birmingham city centre to commemorate one of the oldest festivals in the world. The Rathayatra Chariot Festival, which originated in East India more than 2,000 years ago, is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krishna all over the world. The festival, which was introduced to the West in 1967 in San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden , began with a colourful procession through the centre of Birmingham with a tall wooden chariot carrying the Deities
The procession stopped off in the Bullring along the way before ending up in Victoria Square which was transformed into a village of market stalls
A market stall is usually an immobile temporary structures erected by merchants to display and shelter their merchandise. and stage performances including music, dance and drama, aimed at giving visitors the chance to experience some of the colour and vitality of India. In keeping with the cultural and spiritual traditions of the festival, a vegetarian Prasadam feast was given out free to all visitors, up until 6pm yesterday. Nitai Charan Das, Birmingham Temple The Birmingham Temple is the first Humanistic Jewish congregation. It was founded by Rabbi Sherwin Wine in Farmington Hills, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit), in 1963. The Birmingham Temple Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience is rather unique. President and Director of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Noun 1. International Society for Krishna Consciousness - a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966; based on Vedic scriptures; groups engage in joyful chanting of `Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna; devotees , said: "Rathayatra is a festival that brings everyone together to remember and reflect on our relationship with God. There were many wonderful activities running through the day, including youth displaying their artistic talents in drama, music and arts, free food all day and a vibrant carnival procession in the city centre." This was the eighth annual celebration of Rathayatra in Birmingham, which has its local centre in Stanmore Road, Edgbaston. Coun Ray Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "Rathayatra is another great community event in the city's annual programme. "This colourful festival is free and people of all cultures and faiths are welcome to enjoy the celebrations." Further details can be found at www.iskconbirmingham.org CAPTION(S): LIVELY... two spectators join in with the chanting and dancing.; BRIGHTLY COLOURED... a chariot carrying the Gods Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra was pulled through the streets. Pictures by Jeremy Padoe |
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