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The numerous religious
processions are one of the most interesting and spectacular feature
for people from all over the world to experience in India.
Being a very religious country, the attempt to get the divine to
come to earth and mingle with human beings are intricate and
numerous. One of these attempts are the festival processions.
In India there are
several religious festivals, where temples are wery busy serving the
huge crowds of buzzing pilgrims. During such festivals processions
are a most valued activity. The processions usually start from the
temples, going around in the temple complex and then out into the
street to sanctify the surroundings and back again to the temple. As
many as possible participates in carrying the temple idol or follow
in front or behind under large commotion! The idol in the procession
is a smaller version of the presiding temple deity, which are often
were big - the largest made of stone are severel meters high and are
never taken out when first installed in the sanctum.
To show reverence and
love for the presiding deity huge temple chariots are made in the
finest wood carvings. The larger the temple, the larger the chariot!
It takes a lot of people, usually men to pull these heavy chariots on
huge solid wooden wheels.
Kanchepuram is
one of the 7 most holy cities in India, with several very
important temples. In Kanchipuram it is possible to see these very
special and huge temple chariots both in use or parked in the
streets.
Rahotsavam,
huge procession chariot
in the streets of Kanchipuram
A chariot parked in the streets of
Kanchipuram.
Carefully carved intricate ornaments
...
... of elephants, crocodiles, trees -
gods
Just to get an idea of the size of
these chariots ...
...this you will only see in India!
Chariot covered in tarpaulin waiting
for next religious event
Another structure in the street keep
the chariot safe from sun, wind & rain
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