Festival of Chariots to draw 10K attendees - C&G Newspapers
FARMINGTON HILLS/NOVI — Every year for the past 30 years, Hare Krishna followers pull deities by rope on a 40-foot-tall chariot in the Festival of Chariots parade to symbolize pulling their lord into their hearts. “It is symbolically taking God away from the opulence to a more simplified lifestyle, which represents bringing God back into our hearts. Instead of worshiping with awe and reverence, we worship God with love and devotion,” said Stephen Knapp, International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple of Detroit board of directors chairman. This year, more than 7,000 people will pull a 40-foot chariot through the streets of Novi during the festival’s parade, starting at 11 a. m. July 19 at the Novi Civic Center. International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, Temple of Detroit will present the 30th annual 3-mile parade down the main streets, which includes an exhibition showcasing India’s spirituality and culture. Knapp said he’s been to India, in 1994 and 2001, for the same festival. “It is literally an amazing festival in the sense that there are, like, 1 million people who show up,” Knapp said. “It is a very cultural experience, even if people aren’t that interested in the religion,” Knapp said. Knapp said the festival has been in Novi for the past few years. Source: www.candgnews.com
