Hare Krishna Chariot Festival coming in August

By Peter Marteka

Editor

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness - or ISKCON - of Connecticut returns to town Aug. 15, a month later than usual for the 18^th annual Hare Krishna Chariot Festival.

The event will take place along Naubuc Avenue and Riverfront Park from 11:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission, and the public is invited to attend. The event will be held rain or shine.  

The festival begins at 11:45 a.m. with Ratha Yatra, a colorful chariot parade accompanied by lively singing and dancing. The parade route begins at the Hare Krishna Temple, 40 Naubuc Ave. and then proceeds west along Naubuc Avenue to Riverfront Park at 300 Welles St. All are encouraged to participate in this festive parade. Free parking is available at the park. 

Following the parade, festivities in the park begin with a free vegetarian meal of Indian cuisine and drinks. Entertainment includes stage performances of traditional Indian music, dance, and drama and lively kirtan or devotional chanting. There’s also fun activities, games, and face painting for the children, and stylish henna body art for all ages. Many Indian-style goods will be available for purchase from vendors, featuring books, music, clothing, jewelry, drinks, vegetarian snacks, and more.

This is the 18th annual Hare Krishna Chariot Festival presented by ISKCON and the seventh one held in Glastonbury. Organizers note attending this outdoor event “provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to sample the rich cultural heritage of India firsthand.” More than 1,500 visitors from Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and beyond attended the festival last year, and organizers expect even more at the event in August.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was established as a non-profit organization in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.  The Connecticut branch of ISKCON was incorporated in 1980.  The mission of ISKCON is to promote the well-being of society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to Bhagavad-gita and other ancient Vedic scriptures.

(Photos by Peter Marteka.) GL