Two major cultural events set for Barrie this summer

City will come alive with colour, music and tradition as ISKCON hosts two major Indian events

A local organization in Barrie is inviting the community to come out and join in on two important cultural events this summer.

On June 21, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Barrie will host its fourth annual Festival of India — Jagannath Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) — at the Barrie waterfront and General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre.

The free annual event, which is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., will include a variety of family-friendly activities for all to enjoy, including chariot pulling, a cultural parade, mantra meditation, gopi dots (a type of traditional Indian face painting), Bhakti yoga, a book sale as well as Prashadam: Karma Free Food for everyone to enjoy.

Later on in the summer, the city will celebrate the annual Festival of Joy – Janmashtami Celebration. This free event, scheduled for Aug. 15 from 7-9 p.m., celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, and is observed worldwide as the Festival of Joy at recreating the magic of Janmashtami.

By BarrieToday Staff