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The Ratha Yatra Festival (Festival of India) is an annual free event that occurs in August in Vancouver. It is estimated that this is the 51st year of this festival in Vancouver.
It is a Hindu themed event that is also known as the 'Chariot Festival'.
Their moto is: 'Feel the Bliss'!
Prior to 2022, this event was held in Stanley Park. It now takes place at Creekside Park on False Creek.
Below is a list of the events for each day of the festival.
The first day of the festival, August 26, 2023 will feature: 'Soul Veg -the market' from 11am to 6pm.
NOTE: The date on the poster is incorrect!
There is free admission, kids and teens play are, henna and face painting.
The second day of the festival happens on August 27, 2023 from 11am to 6pm.
NOTE: The date on the poster is incorrect!
It features live music, cultural dance, plant-based food, and a free kids area.
There is free admission.
The day will begin with the procession along the False Creek Seawall from the festival site at Creekside Park to Stamps Landing and back. See below for more information about the procession.
They are known for giving a free plate of vegetarian food to anyone who wants one! It is a free 3 course meal.
There will be live entertainment and Kirtan, children's fun zones, face painting, and more.
The 2023 Ratha Yatra festival takes place on August 26, 2023 and August 27, 2023 from 11am to 6pm each day.
The 2023 Ratha Yatra festival takes place at Creekside Park at the end of False Creek next to ScienceWorld.
The 2023 Ratha Yatra festival site at Creekside park is very close to the Main Street/ScienceWorld Skytrain station. It is almost just across the street.
The Ratha Yatra Parade is a public parade that takes place on the 2nd day of the festival.
Prior to 2022, it was a large parade that had a number of floats, bands, and a giant chariot that is pulled by anybody who wants to pull it. There were many ethnic groups represented and anybody was allowed to pull the giant chariot!
For 2023, the parade has been scaled down and is now referred to as a 'Procession'. The procession will take place on the False Creek Seawall from the festival site at Creekside Park to Stamps Landing.
The 2023 Ratha Yatra Parade/Procession will take place on the False Creek Seawall from the festival site at Creekside Park to Stamps Landing and then back to the festival site.
Unfortunately, they have had to downsize the main chariot to fit on the seawall!
You can get more information about the 2023 Ratha Yatra Festival from: VanRathFest.com and Facebook: Vancouver Ratha-Yatra and Festival of India Facebook page.