About 300 locals attended the Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, in Brimbank last weekend.
Hosted by Melbourne Mandir, the event brought community members together to celebrate the annual Hindu festival in a burst of yellow and red.
Nimesh Patel, secretary of Melbourne Mandir, said it was a “very joyous, vibrant” parade.
“It’s a great event for the community, to bring a community together and to spread unity,” he said.
In the Hindu religion, the Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Jagganath’s annual journey from the Jagannath Temple to his birthplace.
“A long time ago, the lower caste were not allowed to go inside the temple to have vision of the deities, so the deities were brought out in the chariot so everybody could have vision and receive blessings,” said Nimesh.
The festival began with a small ritual of the deities, and dance accompanied by music played by children.
“[The children] can have that experience and that opportunity to play their part,” said Nimesh.
An adorned chariot was then paraded through the crowds.
“There is a big emphasis on pulling the chariot. If you pull the chariot you are considered to be really blessed,” said Nimesh.
The event was attended by Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang, deputy mayor Victoria Borg, Cr Kim Thien Truong and Dr Daniel Mulino MP.
“Our members were so excited to have the government officials attending the event,” said Nimesh.
“The atmosphere was very lovely, positive and warm. It just uplifts everyone’s moods and uplifts their happiness and just gives them a lot of joy.”
