Santa Monica is getting a parade unlike the usual beachside procession Sunday, when three elaborately decorated chariots roll through town carrying sacred deities as part of the 50th annual Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots. The free Ratha Yatra celebration begins at 10 a.m. and heads from the Santa Monica Civic Center toward Venice Beach, where music, dancing and food await.
Organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the procession will carry Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the Santa Monica Civic Center before continuing down Main Street and onto the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The festival’s official schedule says the chariots are expected to reach Windward Plaza around noon.
Music, Dancing And A Free Vegetarian Feast
The Venice Beach portion runs from noon to 7 p.m. and includes traditional Indian music, devotional chanting, cultural performances, dancing, children’s activities and a marketplace featuring Indian arts, crafts and literature. Organizers also plan a free vegetarian feast, with the celebration open to people of all backgrounds.
The tradition traces back to Ratha Yatra celebrations in Jagannath Puri, India, and the Los Angeles version began in 1977. As MyNewsLA reports, organizers describe the event as a celebration centered on peace, unity and spiritual well-being that has grown into one of Southern California’s largest annual gatherings of Indian culture and spirituality.
Main Street Closures Will Affect Sunday Travel
Drivers should expect a temporary Main Street shutdown during the parade. The City of Santa Monica’s closure notice says Main Street will be closed in both directions from the Civic Auditorium area near Pico Boulevard to Navy Street from 8 a.m. to noon.
Festival organizers recommend arriving early, with parking available at the Civic Center Parking Structure and public transit options including the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica. After the chariots reach Venice, the procession gives way to an afternoon of performances, kirtan, workshops, food stalls and a final evening chant at Windward Plaza.
