FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS ATTRACTS THOUSANDS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Festival of Chariots attracts thousands

Thousands of men, women and children joined in to heave three huge chariots through the city streets yesterday as Lord Krishna was displayed to his devotees.

The 16th annual Rathayatra Festival of Chariots, staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, saw the parade draw in about 10,000 people from all over the country.

Some had travelled from afar afield as India, and dropped to their knees as the effigies of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), his sister Subadhra and older brother Balaram, were slowly pulled past.

The worshipers were in Leicester today to witness the celebration of the 5,000-year-old festival, which included singing and music and culminated in a large feast at Cossington Park.

Devotee Madhava Das, 29, who lives in the city, became a monk eight years ago.

Since then he has lived a disciplined lifestyle, visiting other parts of the country to share his beliefs.

He said: “This is the one time of year when those who maybe don’t go to the temple can see the deities, which come out once a year.

“It’s so people can see them - and by pulling at the ropes of the chariot it signifies that they are pulling the Lord into their hearts and lives. The music is essential too.

“We chant a mantra to glorify God and to celebrate life and spirituality.”

The three giant chariots, measuring up to 30ft tall, were taken from the Clock Tower, along Belgrave Gate, over the flyover and finished in Cossington Park, where a feast was waiting.

Live music, dancing and singing - which took place on a large stage - was also on the bill at the post-parade festival.

Ben Dowdeswell, 33, and Lee West, also 33, from the Derek Frearson Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu group, who meet at the Peepul Centre, in Orchardson Avenue, entertained the masses with a Chinese lion dance.

Ben, from Barwell, said: “This, for me, sums up the great diversity of Leicester - a bunch of white guys dancing around in a Chinese lion costume at a Hare Krishna festival.

“I think it’s great, it’s our third year and they keep calling us and getting us back - so we must be doing something right.”

Two weeks ago more than one million people gathered in India for the largest staging of this worldwide festival.

Ezrsebet Varga, 46, who had travelled from London to take part in today’s event, said: “This festival has been celebrated for thousands of years, and people come from all over the country.

“In India it’s huge. More than one million people went recently.”

In 2010, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were left with no place of worship after an explosion destroyed the temple in North Evington.

Now, the group members are hoping to set up a restaurant, heritage room and an informal library at the former HSBC bank, in Granby Street, Leicester.

A planning application for the former bank has been submitted to Leicester City Council.

WARNING FOR MOTORISTS AHEAD OF FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Warning for motorists ahead of Festival of Chariots

Motorists are being warned about possible delays due to the annual Festival of Chariots that takes place in Leicester tomorrow.

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots, known as Rathayatra, is the second largest festival of its kind in Europe, with 10,000 people expected to attend

The procession is due to start at the Clock Tower at 11.30am before moving along Haymarket, Belgrave Gate, Belgrave Road, Cossington Street and Rendell Road.

It is due to arrive at Cossington Park at about 2.30pm.

As well as delays along these roads, there will also be diversions for some buses. Passengers are advised to check with their bus company for further details.

The festival includes people pulling three huge chariots carrying the Deities of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and Lord Balarama from the Clock Tower to Cossington Park, accompanied with music, singing and dancing.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ATTEND LEICESTER'S FIRST MANGO FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury. I should point out that the final six paragraphs appear in the online edition of the article, but not in the print version.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Keith Vaz MP and Bhai Jagtap with the elephants unveiled at the mango fesitval, in Cossington Street recreation ground

Hundreds of people attend Leicester's first mango festival

by David Owen

An Indian summer arrived early in Leicester today as the hottest day of the year so far coincided with the city’s first ever mango festival.

With temperatures reaching 22C (72F), hundreds of people visited Belgrave’s Cossington Park to enjoy the unique event.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, host of the hit Indian Masterchef TV show, was star attraction at the festival.

Greeted on stage to cheers and applause from the crowds, he said: “It’s a beautiful day to join you all here in Leicester. The reason we are here is because of the city’s hospitality – and the great taste of mangos!

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with you.”

Today's event recreated the world-famous International Mango Festival, which is held in Delhi every June.

Sanjeev treated festival goers to a cooking master class focusing on dishes using mangos. He was joined on stage by Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and Bollywood movie art director and set designer Nitin Desai.

Other attractions included live music, dancing and children’s competitions.

Belgrave resident Avtar Kaur, 45, said: “In India the mango is king – it’s the national fruit and the most tasty.

“It’s such a lovely day and beautiful weather for everyone to get together in the park.

“I’m really enjoying myself with my friends and the weather couldn’t be more ideal.”

Vij Joraniya, 20, also of Belgrave, said: “I’m here to see Sanjeev. He’s the most famous chef in the whole of India and it’s so great to see him here in Leicester.”

Lavtar Singh Ruprah, 47, of Wigston, was enjoying a family day out with wife Reema and the couple’s two boys, Dhilan, two, and Harmeet, one.

“It’s a nice day out for the family and it’s nice to see people from all different communities in Leicester enjoying the sunshine and mangos,” he said. “You couldn’t have picked a better day for it, could you.”

The festival’s centrepiece was four ornately carved and decorated life-size wooden elephants – symbols of luck and prosperity in the subcontinent.

Thousands of delicious Alphonso mangos from the Kokan region of Maharashtra state were supplied courtesy of Indian producers who organised a similar festival in London on Sunday.

The decision to bring the festival here was made just 10 days ago after organisers approached Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

He said: “It has taken a lot of hard work and organisation to put this festival together, but we did it in just 10 days.

“I’d like to thank the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, the city council, members of the Belgrave Traders Association and everyone else for making this happen.”

The festival only went ahead after an appeal in the Mercury saw the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir temple, in Gipsy Lane, the Shreeji Dham Haveli temple, in Melton Road, and Leicester City Football Club agree to look after the elephants, which will be on show with two even bigger ones in the next few months.

Mr Vaz told the crowd: “These elephants will bring a great deal of luck to the city and in particular Leicester City FC, who play a very important match on Thursday.”

Speaking about today's sunny weather, Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: “It's more like India than Leicester. Ideal weather for our first mango festival.”

Organisers, however, have come in for some criticism after the supply of mangos ran out just 45 minutes into the festival.

“It was too short notice and not enough was done to tell local people what was going on,” said Gunvant Patel, 72, of Belgrave.

“About 500 people turned up at the park at 4.30pm only to be told it was all over. They went home feeling pretty disappointed.”

He added: “They called it a mango festival but it was more like a mango promotion, and in any case there were no mangos left by 3.45pm. Many people feel a bit short changed by the whole thing.”

GO MAN, GO!

#failstival

It's a lovely sunny Bank Holiday Monday - if that's not a contradiction in terms. I give the kids a choice: stay indoors and watch Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on Film4 or head across town to Cossington Park Recreation Ground, to enjoy Leicester's first Mango Festival. Gracie votes with her feet, Harry is his usual biddable self.

I think we might have misjudged the start time of the Mango Festival. We hang around the park for longer than feels comfortable, but it doesn't get any more exciting than the scene you see in the photo above. There's an ice cream van on this far side of the park, but even as we're walking toward it, it drives off. That's how quiet and slow things are.

Rather than rely on being served our entertainment on a plate, we make our own fun - just like in the olden days (as Gracie would say). We go for mega chip butties from a local eatery on Melton Road and bring them back to the park. Nothing's changed though (note to self: if ever I get another one of these mega chip butties, make it a small one - if that's not another contradiction in terms). As we sit and eat as much of these as we're able, we count the number of times a mother and son walk around the park in their casual but committed exercise routine. We see them do six circuits before they call it a day. We were thinking of getting up and joining them next time they came past us.

With memories fresh from the Tirath Yatra Walk I took part in round here hardly a fortnight ago, I take the kids off to have a look at the Shri Ram Mandir on Hildyard Road and the Shri Siva Murugan Temple on Ross Walk (photo below). We just look at the outsides, since Gracie's not really dressed for going in. She's 11 and she came out dressed for a fun day in the park. After that diversion, we return to the park to join in the festivities, which we hope will be in full swing by now. But very little, if anything, has changed. Harry points out a dad and a little kid, leaning over a partially erected crash barrier, looking at nothing in particular. The elephants remain covered and there's not the slightest hint of mango anywhere.

Having hung around till we can't hang around no more, we call it quits and leave. The kids are bored now and want to go home. I'd rather hang on a bit longer as I'm sure things will pick up (surely they have to pick up). But, as you'll surely know faithful reader, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few - or the one."

We head back to town shortly after 1300 and thence to Wigston Magna, where I'm back on the couch in time to see most of the movie, courtesy of Film4+1. Now that's my idea of how to spend a Bank Holiday Monday.

SPIRIT OF DIWALI BURNS BRIGHTLY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Spirit of Diwali burns brightly

From youngsters making decorations to shoppers taking part in a vibrant interactive art installation, thousands of people across Leicestershire celebrated Diwali Day yesterday.

Restaurants in Melton Road were overflowing with revellers, while more than 10,000 people gathered in Cossington Street Recreation Ground for the traditional fireworks display and celebrations last night.

With decorations up in houses across the city and county, thousands of people celebrated the end of the Hindu year by giving gifst at home.

Youngsters at the Kiddycare nursery, in Melton Road, painted rangoli designs – a traditional decorative design used during Hindu festivals – and took part in games.

The children, aged between six weeks and five years, were joined by their mums and dads yesterday morning.

Nadine Farrington, operations manager for the city's four Kiddycare nurseries, said: "It was a lovely day and involved lots of families who took part in games and competitions. We want to wish everyone a happy Diwali."

The festival of lights was also given a modern twist with an interactive art installation using Humberstone Gate's big screen.

Images of people walking past were transformed into dancing balls of light, which were then displayed on the huge television.

Kalpana Bodalia, 46, of Thurmaston, was transfixed by the display.She said: "I really like it because Diwali is all about the festival of light.

"It doesn't matter what culture or religion you are, light is for everyone.

"Everybody is invited and welcomed to get involved with the celebrations."

Mum Teresa Lewis, 42, was also at the screen with her three children.

She said: "It looks really cool and it fits in with Diwali because of the light element."

Restaurants along the Golden Mile were packed throughout the day.

Floyd Rosario, senior supervisor at Feast India, said: "Feast India is generally quite busy anyway, every day is like Christmas. But with Diwali it is even busier."

Ashok Raval, chef and manager at the Khyber Tandoori Restaurant, said: "We get people coming from all over, from places such as Nottingham and Birmingham, who come to Leicester to spend Diwali with their families."

Yesterday evening, more than 10,000 people cheered as fireworks exploded and echoed around Cossington Street Recreation Ground.

The event was organised by the Hindu Festival Council, which has been hosting Diwali celebrations since 1991.

Chairman Maganbhai Patel said: "In the beginning, it wasn't very big, but we have tried to include more people and entertainment and it's grown and grown.

"It's the last day of the Hindu year and is celebrated by millions all over the world.

"Everywhere you go, people will get together and wish each other a happy Diwali – it's just like Christmas."

Leicester's Diwali celebrations, which mark the triumph of good over evil, are among the biggest in the world.

The festival began on November 4, when 35,000 visitors watched a lights switch-on spanning 1km along Melton Road.

As well as the official entertainment at the park last night, scores of other events took place across the city yesterday.

HARE KRISHNA FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS IS HIGHLIGHT OF OLDEST STREET FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishna festival of chariots is highlight of oldest street festival

Thousands of devotees pulled a huge chariot through the city yesterday to celebrate the world's oldest street festival.

Dancers, drummers and flag wavers led the Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots from Cossington Street, in Belgrave, to a huge party at Leicester's Town Hall Square.

The 15th annual Ratha-yatra festival was staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Devotees, who usually start in Humberstone Gate and finish in Belgrave, were forced to reverse their procession, due to waterlogged ground at Cossington Street Park.

Pradyumna Dasa, president of the group's new temple in Granby Street, Leicester, said: "Though it was never our plan to move the festival, it seems to us that Krishna's plan is to go towards his new home in the centre of the city."

For the Jethwa family from Syston, it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate their Hindu faith together.

Dad Jit, 41, said: "It is important that our children learn about our festivals.

"We are all born and bred in Leicester, a multi-cultural city that allows us to celebrate our culture and beliefs. It's fantastic."

Daughter Devi, eight, said: "My favourite part is the singing and the food."

Sister Bhavani, 11, said: "We have had a really nice day. I like watching it all pass us."

The procession featured a 40-foot chariot, which carried representations of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna) and his siblings, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama.

Work colleagues Siva Narayanasamy, 27, and Vimal Srinivasan, 30, watched the procession gather in Gallowtree Gate.

Siva, who lives in the city, said: "I'm really impressed by the size of the chariot. It's like being in India."

Vimal, also from the city, said: "It really gives you a divine feeling when we share our religion across the city. It sends such a good message."

For Lalita Dasi, from Groby, it was also a chance to catch up with friends and family.

The 53-year-old said: "You end up bumping into people you haven't seen since last year."

The procession ended with a party at the town hall, with dance and yoga displays, singing and vegetarian food.

The photo above shows the Chariot on Belgrave Gate, heading into the city centre, with the lifesize statue in the foreground. Photo by Kiran Parmar, sourced with permission.

HUNDREDS JOIN IN DASHERA CELEBRATIONS

From today's Leicester Mercury:

 

Hundreds join in Dashera celebrations 

Hundreds of people gathered to watch the effigy of an evil king go up in flames to celebrate the Hindu festival of Dashera. 

The burning of the statue of King Ravana was the highlight of the festivities at Cossington Street Recreation ground, in Belgrave, last night. 

The festival celebrates the story of the battle between good Lord Rama and evil King Ravana, and the victory of good over evil. Celebrations included a firework display, music and stage performances. 

Ravi Mattia, 48, from Leicester's West End, who took his family to the event, said: "I think it's important for my sons to learn about the Hindu culture and to be part of it rather than just reading about it and seeing it on TV. It's all about victory over injustice and it's a very jubilant event. 

"It's great to see Leicester has some of the biggest celebrations of Hindu festivals outside India." 

Amanjit Singh, 35, from St Matthews, who attended with wife Parmjit said: "We come every year and enjoy it as do people from other religions.''

In the photo above: Spinney Hill Primary School pupils Anglie Sudra, 10, Eesha Jawa, 9, Anika Jethwa, 6, and Ara Bogalov, 9, before their performance during last night's festivities.

DASHERA CELEBRATIONS MARK TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER EVIL

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Dashera celebrations mark triumph of good over evil 

A giant effigy of a Hindu king is to be set alight as part of religious celebrations. 

The model of King Ravana will be burned as the highlight of Dashera celebrations taking place at Leicester's Cossington Street Recreation ground, in Belgrave, Leicester, on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. 

The festival of Dashera celebrates the story of the battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana, and the victory of good over evil. The celebrations will also include children's funfair rides, a cultural programme on stage, and the giving out of sweets.

The event will end with a firework display.

HARE KRISHNA FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS ATTRACTS THOUSANDS TO LEICESTER CITY CENTRE

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots attracts thousands to Leicester city centre

Thousands of devotees pulled three 30ft chariots through the streets of Leicester yesterday in celebration of a 5,000-year-old festival.

Colourful flags and lively rhythms led the 14th annual Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots from Humberstone Gate, in the city centre, to Cossington Park, in Belgrave.

The event was staged by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Organiser Nimai Devi Dasi said: "Today is about getting the chance to show other people what we're about. It's a nice, jovial time and we're not restricted to the temple, which means we can get a lot more people involved – people who may not have come across us before.

"The Jagannatha Ratha Yatra is a celebration more than 5,000 years old, making it the oldest street festival in the world.

"Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot, carrying Lord Krishna then at the end of this life, they will be granted a place in the spiritual world."

The procession featured three huge chariots, which carried deities Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama.

Participants pulled the giant floats to Cossington Park, where more than 9,000 people were entertained with live music, dancing and singing. 

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby took part in the ceremony, sweeping the procession route as a sign of humility and service to the people.

He also joined the procession as it slowly made its way along Belgrave Road, helping to pull the giant chariots for part of the way.

He said: "It's the first time as city mayor that I've taken part in the event, which I've seen grow and flourish over the years.

"It's an important part of our cultural heritage and brings life and colour to the city."

The parade was filled with music and singing as it snaked its way through the city centre and along Belgrave Road.

Ramesh Yadav, 32, was keeping the rhythm of the march.

The drummer, from St Matthews, said: "It's an occasion where Lord Krishna can come out and look at everyone.

"The big eyes on the statue (on the chariot) show that he is looking out at everyone and looking into your heart."

Sandeep Patel, 29, from Oadby, said: "Just to experience the whole day is fantastic – there's thousands of people coming together from all backgrounds.

"It's a celebration for us, but everyone is welcome to join in."

Steve Shaw, 31, had travelled from Chorley, in Lancashire, to be at yesterday's festival.

He said: "Today is about celebrating the joy of life, everybody has to get involved by helping with the chariot – it's like pulling the Lord into our hearts."

Wheels in motion for parade

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Wheels in motion for parade

The final preparations are under way for a colourful and lively city centre procession set to attract thousands of people.

The annual Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots returns to Leicester tomorrow.

The city hosts the second biggest celebration in Europe and festival-goers will descend on Humberstone Gate, to pull three giant chariots from the Clock Tower, in the city centre, to Cossington Street park, Belgrave.

Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariots – carrying models of Lord Krishna, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama – they are brought closer to the Gods, and at the end of this life they will be granted a place in the spiritual world.

Organisers are busy cooking food, arranging flowers and decorating the chariots for the festival, which is expected to attract 9,000 visitors.

Krishan Mistry, who owns Loughborough wedding florist Vrinda Flowers, will be helping to make garlands and flower displays for the festival.

He said: "Flowers play a really important part of the festival and are very significant.

"Garlands are a traditional way of welcoming and showing respect for guests, so those are being made to give to VIPs on the day, and to offer to the deities.

"Flowers are significant because we feel that while you can offer gold and silver, that is a one-time offering. But flowers will wilt, so the offering can be made again and again.

"The flower side of things can be very busy, because it has to be done last minute as the flowers will wilt.

"The arrangements for the park were done on Friday and the garlands will be done today – into the late hours."

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.

This year will mark the 14th time the festival has taken place in Leicester – the second biggest celebration in Europe, after London.

The procession leaves Humberstone Gate at noon, and arrives in Cossington Park at 2.30pm.

One of the organisers, Nimai Devi Dasi, said she hoped this year would be bigger than ever.

"Last year, we had 8,000 people, and this year we are expecting 1,000 more," she said.

"It certainly grows every year. The atmosphere is very jovial and family-friendly, and we invite people from all cultures to join us and celebrate.

"The pulling of the chariots is very important and symbolises pulling God into your heart.

"There will also be lots going on at Cossington Park, too, with tents, free food and a children's area with dancing and yoga."

COLOURFUL "HOLI" DAY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Colourful "Holi" Day

Nearly 50 people took part in a history-making 11-mile walk that took in visits and offering of prayers at more than a dozen of Leicester's Hindu Temples – all in one day.

The sponsored walk marked Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, to celebrate the beginning of spring,writes Kamlesh Purohit.

It was organised to raise awareness in Leicester about the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. The walk ended at Cossington Park, Belgrave. Walkers splashed each other with paints and colours – the traditional way of celebrating Holi.