Stuart Zullo 
Liverpool’s Bigge Park will be playing host to one of India’s oldest traditional festivals this Sunday.
The festival, known as Ratha-yatra, or the Hindu Festival of the Chariots, originated in Puri, in the State of Orissa in India, and it dates all the way back to the year 1397.
The festival is celebrated all over the world and has become an increasingly popular event in Liverpool, regular attracting a crowd of more than 5000 people from around Sydney.
According to the Liverpool Leader, the festival revolves around the tradition of the Indian Master of the Universe, Lord Jagannath, who pretends to be sick and seeks the attention of the goddess Laxmi.
To cheer Lord Jagannath up, his servants arrange for him to ride on a grand chariot, accompanied by his devotees, a marching band, drummers, singers and dancers.
Those who help pull the ropes of the chariot are said to be closer to their release from the material world.
Liverpool’s version of the event will include a parade, cultural performances and a vegetarian feast and it will get underway this Sunday at 10am.
For all further details about the event contact Govardhan Das on 9601 0290.
Will you be heading to Ratha-yatra in Bigge Park this weekend?