Toronto, Canada : Thousands of devotees and members of the Indian community participated in the grand Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) held in Toronto, where Consul General of India in Toronto, Mahavir Singh, also joined the celebrations.
Organised by ISKCON Toronto, the festival featured a colourful chariot procession through downtown Toronto, with devotees enthusiastically pulling the chariots of the deities while chanting devotional hymns and participating in kirtan.
The celebrations will continue throughout the weekend at Centre Island, featuring a range of cultural programmes including live kirtan performances, Vedic cultural exhibitions and yoga sessions.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Mahavir Singh highlighted the significance of the festival and appreciated the efforts of the Indian diaspora in keeping the centuries-old tradition alive overseas.
He said the Ratha Yatra has evolved into a living cultural connection between communities across the world, carrying the values of spirituality, tradition, identity and a sense of belonging beyond geographical boundaries.
The event reflected the vibrant contribution of the Indian diaspora in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people ties in Canada.