Rathayatra, Festival of Chariots!

A chariot festival pulled in the crowds as thousands of people packed into Leicester to watch one of the oldest street festivals in the world.

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots dates back 5,000 years and the city holds the second biggest celebration in Europe.

Festival-goers descended on Humberstone Gate, pulling three giant chariots from the clock tower in the city centre to Cossington Park, Belgrave. Passers-by were entertained by dancing and singing as the 30ft painted chariots circled the clock tower at noon tailed by thousands of chanting followers.

Devotee Ishita Bhatt, 17, from North Evington was at the festival for the second year. She said: "I'm very excited to be here because this is a very important day for us.

"It's a chance for God to get out and to be with his brothers and sisters."
Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot – carrying a model of Lord Krishna – then at the end of this life they will be granted a place in the spiritual world.

The Festival of Chariots takes place all over the world during the months of June and July, but Leicester's celebrations are the second largest in Europe.

Organisers estimated that at least 8,000 people took part in yesterday's event.

Chinese lion dancers kicked off the procession.

The head of the lion Ben Dowdeswell, from Barwell, said: "This is the first time we've done this festival but we really like the atmosphere."

The 5,000-year-old festival came to the UK from India in the 1960s, and has since been celebrated in hundreds of cities all over the world.

The procession reached Cossington Park at 2.30pm where revellers were treated to Indian dance, live music and drama.

The multi-cultural festival had face painters, henna designers and free vegetarian food on offer for all visitors.

Regular festival visitor Saraswati Patel, 62, of Glenfield, said: "A lot of people get carried away with the hustle and bustle of daily life.

"This day is a chance for us to think about what really matters in life. We can come together and celebrate love and life together and be happy."

Text of this entry from Leicester Mercury's website, photo from BBC Radio Leicester's.

I really like how this ancient Indian festival was led by a Chinese dragon, inside the head of which was a fellow called Ben from Barwell. That's very Leicester, isn't it, faithful reader?