'˜Brilliant' Crawley Festival of Chariots

The celebration, which is a highlight in Hindu calendar, is now in its eighth year in Crawley. It is often called the Festival of the Chariots because involves the procession of a series of chariots and floats putting on a colourful display of music and dance.

Co-organiser Ajay Parekh said: “It was brilliant. Personally, it was one of my favourite years I’ve witnessed.

“This year we were based as usual in Queens Square where we have got the well and the bandstand and it’s almost like it’s our thing and the rest of the town is just there. This year we also had a few people in Queensway and flowing into the Memorial Gardens. Lots more people were getting involved. Food was being served non-stop. We nearly ran out. It was a brilliant day and the community really came together.”

He added: “In terms of quality and organisation, we are getting better and better.More people involved and more people helping out.”

A popular addition to this year’s event was a yoga meditation at the Bhakti Yoga Centre after the town centre event which attracted the same number.