Chariot Street Fest

Hundreds of smiling faces greet Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe, as He and His brother and sister, Balarama and Subhadra, ride upon a colorful chariot down the streets of Wheeling every year. The annual Festival of India in Wheeling, more commonly known as the Ratha-yatra (chariot festival) in India and many parts of the world, grace the people of Wheeling with its message of “Culturally Many Spiritually One,” demonstrating that universal peace and brotherhood can be achieved by celebrating our oneness as children of God.

As throngs of spectators, devotees of Lord Jagannatha, and curious visitors join the grand chariot parade, the atmosphere is filled with exotic chants, joyful singing and dancing, the sound of Indian musical instruments, and a wave of excitement. Ladies dressed in colorful saris and decorated with henna and face paint dance in a rhythmic formation while men with dhotis and turbans play on…