Celebrating the sights, sounds and culture of India, the sixth-annual Festival of Joy is set for Saturday, April 26, at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas). The family-friendly event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a vibrant parade, dancing, music and live performances throughout the day. Presented by the acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s, the Festival of Joy brings together thousands of families, adults and dignitaries from across North Texas for a fun-filled day, teeming with bright colors, beautiful flowers and interactive exhibits focused on exploration and joy. Festival goers seeking culinary delights can enjoy a free vegetarian feast and a variety of ethnic vegetarian foods available for purchase.
The event culminates with an evening concert at 7 p.m. featuring The Mayapuris, a vibrant traveling party of conscious musicians. Raised in the mystic traditions of ancient India, the Mayapuris fuse the soul stirring experience of mantra music with exceptional musicianship in both eastern and western styles. They have toured across six continents propelled by their thunderous rhythm and soaring vocals.
“The Festival of Joy is a reminder that even in challenging times, hope, faith and love have the power to transform our lives,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple. “It’s a celebration of the choice we all have to live with compassion, peace and connection to the world around us. At its core, the festival is about fostering a deeper sense of unity, both within ourselves and the universe. We invite everyone to experience this incredible gathering, where hearts come together in harmony.”
The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has its roots in the ancient Indian tradition. It has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in the South Indian state of Orissa, making it the world’s longest-running street festival. It is now held in major cities worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.
The festival starts at 11 a.m. with a welcome ceremony at Klyde Warren Park, followed by a parade at 11:30 a.m. through the Dallas Arts District, returning to the park at 1:30 p.m. Hundreds of festivalgoers, pilgrims and faith leaders joyously pull the colorful chariot carrying the sacred deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balarama along the route. Hundreds more dance, sing and play traditional musical instruments. Devotees believe that if they get the opportunity to pull the ropes of the giant chariot carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha or the Lord of the Universe, they can obtain eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual world.
After the procession returns to Klyde Warren Park, guests can enjoy a free vegetarian feast, live stage entertainment, sample delicious regional Indian street foods, shop at an ethnic clothing bazaar, and explore exhibits celebrating the spiritual heart of India. From Ayurveda and yoga to traditional crafts, try-a-sari, mehndi, "ask-a-monk" sessions and more, attendees can immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings of India.
For more information and the latest updates, go to festivalofjoydallas.com.
About Kalachandji’s and The Texas Krishnas. Kalachandji’s vegetarian restaurant has been operated for 43 years by The Texas Krishnas Inc., the North Texas affiliate of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The society was founded in 1965 by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who brought the ancient Vedic tradition of bhakti or devotion to the West. The society serves a local congregation of over 10,000 at the Radha Kalachandji Temple, 5430 Gurley Avenue in East Dallas, with daily worship services and classes in meditation, yoga and vegetarian cooking. They also operate the nearby TKG Academy elementary and middle school, and the Food for Life program for the homeless. Nashringa Rupa Dasa, president of the Radha Kalachandji Temple says, “We are excited that our festival was attended last year by over 10,000 North Texas residents and anticipate welcoming even more in our 6th year at Klyde Warren Park.”
