The Jagannath Ratha Yatra Festival, known as the Festival of Chariots, was celebrated in Dannhauser on Saturday, drawing hundreds of devotees and visitors.

The centuries-old celebration, which originates in Jagannath Puri, India, honours the return of Krishna (Jagannath) with His brother Balarama and sister Subhadra to Vrindavan.

Festival organiser, Lakesh Maharaj, said the event was “entertaining to all who witness it, irrespective of race or religion. It embraces our rainbow nation.” He added that the celebration symbolises the effort to bring God into people’s hearts.

“On this day, the Lord leaves the temple and blesses all – regardless of background, caste, or religion,” Maharaj explained. “By pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, everyone takes part in this devotion.”

Scriptures describe the festival as spiritually uplifting, even for those who glimpse the Lord’s chariot. It is celebrated worldwide in cities such as New York, Toronto, Berlin, London, and across South Africa and this year marked Dannhauser’s first celebration.

Maharaj said: “The festival is a meditation on bringing God back into our hearts, cultivating humility, charity, love, and compassion.”

Mayor Bongani Radebe joined the event, taking part in the singing and dancing. Maharaj thanked Dannhauser residents, the Traffic and Waste departments, the Mayor’s Office, and the Hindu Society for their support in making the festival a success.

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