50TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE CHARIOTS-Venice Beach Windward Plaza-FREE EVENT

Greetings: Looking for something to do on a Sunday morning/afternoon this endless SUMMER of 2026??? JOIN US FOR THE 50TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE CHARIOTS!!! Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a vibrant and joyous celebration. This annual event, held in the heart of Los Angeles, features the grand procession of elaborately decorated chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and chanting, devotees and visitors pull the chariots through the streets. The festival also includes cultural performances, delicious vegetarian cuisine, and a marketplace showcasing Indian arts and crafts. It's a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience the rich cultural heritage and spiritual essence of India. The Los Angeles Festival of Chariots event, also known as Ratha Yatra, began in 1977. The Jaganatha Ratha Yatra is the oldest street festival in the world, originating from the Indian costal town of Jagannatha Puri, India. Along with a crowd of over one million people, the chariots in Jagannatha Puri are pulled using ropes to its final destination. Srila Prabhupada, the Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) took the Ratha Yatra festival all over the world, with the festival now taking place in cities all across the globe. The inaugural event in Los Angeles took place along Venice Beach, attracting a diverse crowd of participants and onlookers. Over the years, it has grown in scale and popularity, becoming a significant cultural event in the city. The festival features the traditional chariot procession, cultural performances, musical kirtans (devotional songs), free vegetarian feasts, and a vibrant marketplace offering arts, crafts, and literature. The Festival of the Chariots in Los Angeles not only honors ancient traditions but also promotes messages of peace, unity, and spiritual well-being, drawing thousands of attendees from various backgrounds each year. Parade Begins at: 1855 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 Parade Ends at: Festival Site Venice Beach Windward Plaza How to find us: Please meet at 11:30 AM PST at the Venice Beach Windward Plaza Park LA Police Department Substation near the I-BEAM Scupture located at: Venice Beach Windward Plaza Park 1 Windward Avenue Venice, CA 90291 There is FREE PARKING on the side streets in the vicinity of Venice Beach Windward Plaza Park. It is ok if you are running late. You can call me at 530 355 2320 if you have difficulty locating the group, I will help guide you to the group. I will be wearing a light green cap and a light blue backpack. Ken