“If you can't afford to fly to India and want to see the real India, this is the place to be,” the organisers say.
The Jagannath Ratha Yatra, an Indian festival celebrated with prayer, music and food, took place Saturday at the Gen. John Hayter South Shore Community Center along the city's waterfront.
Naina Sharma, one of the organisers of the annual event, said the festival is all about bringing people together.
“India is all about spirituality, so these celebrations are all about spirituality and symbolise that we are all different but together when it comes to divinity and spirituality,” she told Barrie Today at the event.
“If you can't afford to fly to India and want to see the real India, this is the place to be.”
A procession took place outdoors, with worshippers pulling a chariot along with other religious symbols.
“The Jagannath procession signifies the Lord of the universe,” Sharma said.
“When people don't go to see him, he comes out to see people on the streets. This is him coming out and giving mercy to everyone. When we are sick, sometimes we go to the hospital, but when we are seriously ill, the doctor has to come. So he is the doctor who comes out to heal the souls and hearts of everyone.”
Organizers estimated attendance this year at about 500 people.
The indoor celebrations consisted of chanting, dancing and a banquet of vegetarian food.
“There are people from different cultures here,” Sharma said.
“It's such a beautiful event and everyone is welcome to take part. We believe in meaningful celebrations and are committed to educating people and bringing people together.”
