Krishna's Chariot
By Dani Coirier
29 Jun 2008
Also known as Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots is one that once was celebrated exclusively in Jagannath Puri, India. The original purpose of the Ratha Yatra event was to reunite the lovesick Lord Krishna with His devotees. For thousands of years, devotees in Jagannath Puri would pull a great chariot seating a deity form of Krishna, known as Jagannath, through the streets. It is said that people who are pulling the ropes attached to the chariot are actually pulling Lord Jagannath into their hearts.
Today, these festivals continue in thousands of cities worldwide. This particular photo essay was taken in Chicago. For this procession, devotees from the city and from distant towns reunite in order to serve Krishna.
These photos are from the procession itself. They show not only the activities, but the variety of devotees who gather. This day is like a family reunion -- the good kind -- and it is a blissful event for all who attend.
