Kalachandji’s and the Crow Collection of Asian Art will host a procession and feast in Klyde Warren park for the first time this Saturday, April 7 in honor of the Festival of the Chariots.
Ratha-yatra has been observed for thousands of years in India and was brought to the U.S. in 1967 by the founder of the Hare Krishna movement. Colorful and joyous, the procession in honor of deities involves hand-pulled chariots richly decorated and the kind of crowds you’d find in a temple or Delhi street. (The Festival of Chariots in Venice Beach, California, for example, is a massive event with several-story floats.) On Saturday, the parade will process down Flora Street to Klyde Warren Park amid dancing, mantra-singing, and the playing of traditional musical instruments.
In the park will follow demonstrations of kirtan (musical mantra meditation) and bharat-natyam (classical Indian dance) on the main stage. Booths will feature traditional crafts, vegetarian cooking demonstrations that showcase what Kalachandji’s is known for by many in town, as well as Indian dress-up, face painting, mehendi (henna tattoos) and other activities. A free vegetarian feast will be served for those who wish to participate, and vegetarian goodies will be available for purchase. The idea, as with so many festivities held at the temple in Old East Dallas, is to stimulate a feast for the eyes, ears, and palate. This time, they’re taking it downtown.
Details:
Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Dallas Arts District
Free and open to the public. Some food is for purchase.
Find more information here.
