HUNDREDS of Hare Krishna devotees will be descending into Manchester this weekend to celebrate Rathayatra.

The devotees will assemble in Manchester's Cathedral Gardens at noon this Sunday (28 September) to celebrate this spiritual festival which originates in Jagannatha Puri on the east coast of India dating back over 2,000 years.

This festival is now held in all the major cities of the world and now Manchester will participate and experience how the festival transcends all differences of origin, culture and religion, bringing unity and joy to all who observe and participate.

A procession, featuring a cart carrying Lord Jagannath - the origin of the word 'juggernaut', coming from the original festival in India - will pass through the streets of Manchester from 12noon- 2pm and will culminate in a Gauranga Festival until 4pm with dramas, music, chanting, dancing with something for all the family.

The event is open to everyone.

More information about the festival visit www.rathayatra.co.uk

Raj Sarin