Festival of India: Ratha-Yatra July 12-13th!

Please visit www.festivalofindia.ca for more information!

The past four decades have witnessed the Festival of India blossom into one of Toronto’s most dazzling, head-turning summer events. And in 2012 the chariots and festivities rolled into the city for the 40th time. This year again be sure to mark your calendars and come visit the 42nd Annual Festival of India (also known as Ratha-Yatra) from July 12th – 13th, 2014 for an unforgettable experience.
The event begins with a euphoric parade down world-famous Yonge Street (beginning at Bloor and continuing south to Queens Quay). The celebrations then shift to Centre Island for two days of festivities expected to draw close to 40,000 people.

Parade

Toronto’s 42nd Annual Festival of India will launch with a spectacular parade on July 12th at 11:00am that will cruise down Yonge Street, beginning at Yonge & Bloor, and make its way down to the lake. During the parade, three ornate, 40-foot tall floats will be hand-pulled by participants amidst ecstatic singing, drumming, and dancing creating a wondrous, carnival-like atmosphere.

Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to join in the excitement by singing and chanting along to the world-famous Hare Krishna mantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare;
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

For the past 41 years, this annual parade has brought the splendor and tradition of India’s spiritual roots to Yonge Street, generating a vibe like no other summer event in the Greater Toronto Area.

Parade Information:

Time: Saturday July 12th 2014 – 11:00 am to 2:00pm

Parade is only on the Saturday and begins at 11am at Yonge and Asquith, north of Yonge and Bloor near the Toronto Reference Library. The closest TTC subway station is Yonge/Bloor station. The parade goes down Yonge street and ends at Queens Quay and Freeland St.

Click here for the Parade route in Google Maps

Centre Island

After the parade on Yonge, Festival of India celebrations continue for the remainder of the weekend at Centre Island. Festival attendees will be treated to a sumptuous and FREE vegetarian feast along with a host of other family-friendly activities, including:

  • a massive, outdoor tented pavilion
  • acclaimed music, dance, & drama performances – Arts & Culture
  • a bustling South Asian Bazaar – Vendors
  • intriguing exhibits on ancient spiritual culture and heritage
  • traditional face-painting
  • a fun-filled and educational children’s area including yoga for children

The festival is open to and free for the all. With its diverse assortment of celebrations and activities, the 42nd Annual Festival of India at Centre Island is sure to offer something for everyone!