A colourful display set up in a community centre parking lot attracted a great deal of attention Sunday as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Barrie celebrated the Festival of India.
Known as the Rath Yatra celebration, the relatively new Barrie group chanted and made presentations before pulling its chariot adorned in fruit and flowers along the waterfront at the Southshore Community Centre.
Lina Boehnke had learned about the event through her brother’s neighbour and decided to see what it was about.
“We thought it would be nice to come out and get to know a different culture and different music,” said the Barrie woman who was taking in the chanting and colourful display to celebrate the annual event.
Organizer Naina Sharma wanted to share the celebration with the community, inviting local politicians to participate.
“This is a way of meditation that we’re doing and we’re teaching society meditation is not just about sitting… it’s about dance and joy,” she said. “It’s basically like we’re doing a picnic.
“I’m overwhelmed with everyone’s response.”
In addition to Barrie area participants, the local group was supported by ISKCON members in Toronto and Brampton.
Sharma is organizing another public event later this summer.