‘We believe in peace, equality, and respect’: Regina’s Hindu community celebrates Ratha Yatra

Regina's Hindu community celebrated its fourth annual Ratha Yatra festival, also known as the Chariot Festival. (Sierra D'Souza Butts/CTV News)

Through music, food, and a parade, Regina’s Hindu community celebrated its fourth annual Ratha Yatra festival on Sunday.

Also known as the Chariot Festival, the celebration symbolizes inclusion, unity and equality amongst the cultural heritage of Hinduism.

“[Ratha Yatra] is not just a religious celebration. We believe it’s a celebration of community, it’s a celebration of peace, unity and of devotion,” shared Varun Sharma, president of the Hindu Temple Regina.

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The all-day event began at the Hindu Temple Regina, following a walk to Wascana Park to participate in prayer and rituals on site, as well as cultural activities.

With the annual commemoration being the biggest Hindu community event in India, Sharma said the organization aimed to bring the festivities to Regina.

“Regina, especially Canada, we believe it’s a place where we value diversification. We value culture and we value our right for speech,” he said.

“We just wanted to show what Hinduism is, what we stand for, what we believe in so that everyone should know that we are here. We are making a contribution in the economy. We are making contribution in all and in every area in the community. That’s the message we want to pass, and that everyone should know we believe in peace, equality and respect.”

The event was open to the public, seeing around 5,000 people in attendance.