Kick-off spring with a colorful celebration of spirituality and Indian culture at the fifth annual Festival of Joy. The festival will take place at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas) on Saturday April 27, beginning at 11 a.m. and culminate with a live headline stage performance from 7 p.m. Presented by acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s, the Festival of Joy brings together thousands of families, young adults and dignitaries 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 exhibits. A variety of ethnic vegetarian foods will also be available for purchase.
New this year is an evening stage performance by popular Indian artist Gaura Vani, an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist fluent in music, film and the visual arts. Vani performs a genre of traditional Indian kirtan music with Western elements such as 12-string guitar, gospel choruses and hip-hop rhythms.
“Dallas is a diverse, forward-thinking city, and the Festival of Joy has become a much-anticipated tradition that brings thousands of people together every year,” said Dallas City Council Member Jesse Moreno, who represents the district where Kalachandji’s and the Radha Kalachandji Temple are located. “The festival is a great way to fully immerse yourself in a holistic experience focusing on mindfulness, fun and harmony.”
The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has its roots in the ancient Indian bhakti 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 city centers worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.
“The energy and joy felt by the thousands who attend reminds us that hope and faith can conquer all,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple.
Go to festivalofjoydallas.com for updates on entertainment and activities.
