Hare Krishna’s Festival of Chariots to fill Toowoomba’s streets with colour and song for first time

Hare Krishna’s Festival of Chariots has been celebrated around the world for thousands of years, now it’s Toowoomba’s turn.

Toowoomba for the first time will host the colourful Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots this Saturday in the CBD.

The festival will start with a street procession from 10.30am moving from 18 Neil St into Herries St and back into Ruthven St to the Civic Square where a day of activities, music, food stalls and children’s activities will be held until 3pm.

“In the Festival of Chariots, a 12ft (3.6m) chariot will be drawn by the residents of Toowoomba for the first time on Saturday,” explained Hare Krishna member Medhavi Das.

Preparing for the Festival of Chariots are (from left) Medhavi Das, Ryan Otto, Dharmesh Patel, Jayshree Dasi and Yaju Mahida. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“On top of the Chariot are Jagannath (another name for Krishna, the Supreme Lord), Balabhadra or Baladev (elder brother of Jagannath) and Subhadra (sister of Jagannath).

“The parade signifies Krishna’s return to Vrindavan, the place where he grew up, being pulled by his close friends and residents.

“The pulling of the chariot signifies the love of the devotees pulling the Lord into their heart.

“The festival has been celebrated in India for over two thousand years as one of the largest annual festivals.”

Getting into the spirit for the Hare Krishna Toowoomba Festival of Chariots are (from left) Jayshree Dasi, Dharmesh Patel and Yaju Mahida. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Medhavi Das and Jayshree Dasi get tuned in for next week's Hare Krishna Toowoomba Festival of Chariots, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Onlookers will be encouraged to join and help pull the chariot to the Civic Square.

Among a variety of activities at the Civic Square will be live music, dance, mantra meditation, children’s activities, henna and face painting, books on yoga and meditation and free vegetarian food.

There will also be additional food stalls where visitors can taste authentic Indian snacks and treats.

Hare Krishna Toowoomba meets every Saturday evening from 5.30pm to 8pm at the East Creek Community Centre in Kitchener St where those wishing to learn more about the movement are welcome to attend and enjoy a free meal with members and obtain further information.

Practising music for the Festival of Chariots are Ryan Otto and Jayshree Dasi, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer