HALIFAX, NS — Led by dancers, hundreds of people pulled a decorated chariot through the streets of downtown Halifax on Saturday for Ratha Yatra, or the Festival of Chariots.
It follows a tradition that originated thousands of years ago in Puri, India.
The parade ended at the Garrison Grounds with a festival celebrating Indian culture, music and food.
The second annual event was hosted by ISKCON Halifax, the local chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
The chariot parade meanders down Brunswick Street during the second annual Ratha Yatra festival of chariots in downtown Halifax on Saturday. —Ryan TaplinMahathi Boopalakrishnan, Lakshana Saranyan and Nandhini Raja of Arudra Dance Academy perform the Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance, during the chariot parade for the second annual Ratha Yatra festival of chariots in downtown Halifax on Saturday. —Ryan TaplinDancers lead the way as the chariot parade winds down Brunswick Street during the second annual Ratha Yatra festival of chariots in downtown Halifax on Saturday. —Ryan TaplinThe chariot turns the corner at the intersection of Brunswick Street and Sackville Street during the second annual Ratha Yatra festival of chariots in downtown Halifax on Saturday. —Ryan TaplinThe chariot drives up Spring Garden Road as crowds of people take photos during the second annual Ratha Yatra festival of chariots in downtown Halifax on Saturday. The chariot could be lengthened or shortened to pass under trees, traffic lights, and power lines. —Ryan Taplin
