Rathayatra on July 9 to feature classical Indian dances and a chariot parade

It’s an exciting day on 9 July, when the Rathayatra — Festival of Chariots will take place in Liverpool at 10am. The Rathayatra includes a walking street festival and a cultural show, as well as classical Indian dances and delicious pure vegetarian snacks (for free) in Bigge Park, Liverpool. Traditionally held during the month of June/July, in Puri, eastern India, where hundreds of millions of people sing and dance in the procession, the festival now takes place in cities all over the world.

The decorated chariots of Jagannatha will roll down the main streets of Liverpool. The float sits on an Isuzu 10 tonne truck, with no engine, and will instead have volunteers pulling the Ratha cart using two eight-metre ropes. There will be people singing and playing Indian musical instruments along the parade, which organisers expect around 5000 people to attend.

The festival includes a street parade and a cultural show. The street parade route begins at Bathurst St Car Park, and winds its way through Northumberland St, Elizabeth St, George St, Memorial Ave, Northumberland St and back into Bathurst St Car Park, Liverpool. After the Street Parade there will be cultural shows, with classical Indian dancing and music, and distribution of delicious snacks in Bigge Park.

The iconic Festival of Chariots is one of the oldest street parades in India and is celebrated with great fanfare across the globe. Befitting the sentiment of its origins, the Festival will serve as a reunion for different community groups who come from far and wide to participate and learn about the Indian art, culture and heritage.

The festival is free for all and there is no admission fee.

Support Independent Community Journalism

Dear Reader,

The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.

We operate independently.

Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.

When you support The Indian Sun, you support:

• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers

We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.

If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.

Please consider making a contribution today.

Thank you for your support.

The Indian Sun Team