Ratha Yatra Festival Brings a Taste of Indian Culture to Wheeling’s Waterfront
Emma Delk Trending
WHEELING -- Bright colors and joyful music filled Heritage Port on Saturday during the Festival of India or Ratha Yatra, a celebration organized by ISKO Temple at New Vrindaban to promote universal peace and brotherhood.
Vegetarian food, yoga, henna, and face painting were all available at the event on top of the highlight of the celebration, the parade honoring Lord Jagannatha.
The chariot carrying the deity traveled through the streets of Wheeling accompanied by both devotees and interested spectators as chanting and drums rose into the air.
Followers of Lord Jagannatha helped pull the chariot, representing them carrying the deity to his spiritual home.
"God visits us here today at the festival," explained Maha Mantra Das, who teaches mantra yoga at the festival. "Whoever comes across him today, they're a very lucky person."
While the festival is a moment of celebration for Hare Krishnas, all attendees were welcome to take a moment to contemplate and enjoy the atmosphere, whether through meditation or just enjoying some good food.
"I have come for the past five years, and it gets better every year I come," said attendee Michelle Bloom, who added that the food was a highlight of the event for her.
Johnivi Esteves, a first-timer at the festival, described it as "calm but engaging" because of the waterfront setting combined with the relaxing spiritual music. Attendees could sit and enjoy music or browse through vendors selling books, trinkets, and religious items.
Ridhima Patra, a Hare Krishna who has attended the festival every year since its start in 2016, calls the event a "blissful experience."
"I'm glad we're able to come here and show people where we come from and our culture," he added.
Despite rain at the time of the parade, the streets were filled with dancing and singing as the chariot got ready to take off. Mayor Glenn Elliot gave a speech before the procession began, sharing that the Festival of India was the first event he was invited to as mayor of Wheeling. Now, as he attends for his last time as mayor, he finds it "very important" that Wheeling continues to live up to its nickname of the friendly city by supporting events like Ratha Yatra.
Other attendees were feeling the uniting spirit of the festival. Vendor for the Krishna Outlet Patricia Hernadez commented that she was glad the rituals they usually do in temples are open for everyone to experience.
"All the color at the festival is wonderful," said Visva Dhika, who has been a devoted Hare Krishna for 51 years. "My favorite part of the festival is seeing so many varieties of people here. It's very encouraging in this day and age."