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Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 2.30 – 7 PM
McLean County Museum of History
200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701

Bring in the Autumn with a colorful celebration of joy!

Join us for a fun-filled day of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a free vegetarian feast, along with riveting music, dance and interactive holistic living and cultural activities.

Ratha Yatra Parade

This re-enactment of the famous Ratha Yatra parade, also celebrated as the Festival of Chariots, is rooted in ancient India’s bhakti or devotional tradition. It has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in Orissa, India, making it the world’s longest-running street festival.

It is celebrated in major city centers around the world, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

Parade Route

  • Parade begins at the intersection of N Center St and E Jefferson St
  • Turns left on N Main St
  • Makes a U-turn at the intersection of N Main St and W Mulberry St
  • Returns to the intersection of N Main St and E Jefferson St
Ratha Yatra Parade

Activities

Children’s Activities

3 – 6 PM

Have a day full of laughter and games for the entire family – arts and crafts for children of all ages.

Taste of India

2.30 – 7 PM

Taste the Festival of Joy in the delicious, authentically Indian foods prepared with love. Includes North Indian, South Indian, and Class Indian Street Food.

Ask A Monk

3 – 6 PM

Harmonize the inner joy in your heart through the secrets of India’s philosophy and meditation practices. Open Q&A sessions with practicing monks.

FREE Vegetarian Feast

6 – 7PM

In the customary Indian tradition of feeding guests, join us for a free feast that will be served out at 6 PM.

Yoga in the Downtown

3 – 6 PM

Join some of Towns’ leading yogis for yoga in the Downtown.

Henna Designs

4 – 6 PM

Head on over to the Henna booth and have beautiful designs hand drawn on your body.

Ayurveda Health

4 – 6 PM

Learn more about this holistic approach to health that allows you to become a balanced, vital, happy
person by eating the right foods for your body type.

Try a Sari or Turban

3 – 6 PM

Wrap yourself in a traditional sari or try on a turban and feel like Indian royalty.

Map & Activities

FESTIVAL & ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

  • 2:30 PM

    Welcoming dignitaries and guests

  • 2:45 PM

    Note by Mayor

  • 3:00 PM

    Dhol (Drum) Presentation

    Dhol Tasha – Marathi Mandal
  • 3:15 PM

    Garba Folk Dance

    Gujrati Group
  • 3:30 PM

    Chariot Parade

    Live Kirtans and Dance
  • 5:00 PM

    Classical dance performances

    Various Groups
  • 6:00 PM

    Live Kirtan & Free Vegetarian Feast

    Kirtan is a Mantra. Music. Meditation. A journey to joy. Bring the mind in the alignment with body and heart. An experience that transforms the heart and enriches your life. An open mind and your voice is all required.
Entertainment

YOGA IN THE DOWNTOWN SCHEDULE

  • 3 – 4 PM

    Hatha Yoga

  • 4 – 5 PM

    Ashtanga Yoga

  • 5 – 6 PM

    Alignment Yoga

Yoga in the downtown schedule