London’s ‘Ratha-yatra’ Festival of Chariots returns to the streets of the capital on Sunday 12th June 2011. London will be illuminated by the wonderful colours and sounds of the annual Hare Krishna festival, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and spirituality in the city.

Thousands of festival-goers, pilgrims, and faith leaders from all over the world will hand-pull the three 40-foot high colourful chariots carrying the sacred deities of Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. The giant chariots will be accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians, and dancers. London will pulsate to Indian spiritual sounds with instruments from across the globe.

At Trafalgar Square, where the procession concludes, the whole family can enjoy cultural and educational displays and exhibitions, revealing the spiritual heart of India. Revellers can participate in lively workshops, sample traditional Indian music, food, and literature, or try sari-draping and face-painting. From the stage, festival-goers will be, amongst other things, treated to traditional Odissi temple dance, contemporary philosophical dramas, and energising mantra chants. In addition to all this, free sumptuous Indian vegetarian cuisine will add to a special family outing. It will indeed be a feast for the eyes, ears and the palate!

Titikshu Das, Co-ordinator of London Carnival of Chariots says: “Each year, we aim to make the Festival of the Chariots a more vibrant and colourful festival for London. Now over forty years on, it’s amazing to see yet another generation of Londoners enjoying the Ratha-Yatra celebrations here in our capital”.

For public enquiries contact:

The Radha Krishna Temple, 10 Soho Street London W1V 5DA Tel: 020 7437 3662

Website: www.rathayatra.co.uk

For media enquiries:

Varsana devi dasi

Tele: +447788453756

Email: media.london@rathayatra.co.uk