Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Durban Festival of Chariots
Dear Friends
As promised please find all the details of the 2024 Durban Festival of Chariots. We cover highlights, what’s new, Soul Fest Arena highlights, favourites and housekeeping. This is a lengthy message but is sure to answer all your queries. We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Please find the link to the Program Schedule & Site Layout here.
Govinda’s and Radhanath’s Gifts at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Easter Trading Times
Friday, 29 March 2024 (public holiday) 9.30am to 3pm.
Saturday, 30 March 2024 9.30am to 4pm.
Sunday, 31 March 2024 9.30am to 3pm.
Monday, 1 April 2024 (public holiday) 9.30am to 3pm.
Temple Bus Service to the Festival
Note: Timings are the same for Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple and New Jagannath Puri Temple.
Friday 29 March
Bus leaves temple at 8:30am, leaves site at 9pm.
Saturday 30 March
Bus leaves temple at 11am, leaves site at 10pm.
Sunday 31 March
Bus leaves temple at 11am, leaves site at 9pm.
Monday 1 April
Bus leaves temple at 11am, leaves site at 8pm.
Kindly note: this is unreserved seating and is based on a first come first served basis.
Festival Highlights
Sunshine Parade
Friday 29 March 10:30am
Route: Starting opposite Addington Hospital, proceeding north on Upper Marine Parade, at Mini Town turning left into Lower Marine Parade, and finishing at the North Beach Bay of Plenty Amphitheatre. This route is 3.2 km. Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Shuttle Service to the Parade Start Point
Take advantage of the shuttle service from the Grass patch opposite the Old Durban Drive-In and next to the Elangeni Hotel side street to the start of the Parade. This service will be operational from 9:30am onwards.
Aerial Fireworks Display
Saturday 30 March 9:30pm
Watch the spectacular fireworks from the festival site – Bay of Plenty Lawns and Amphitheatre.
Sunset Parade
Monday 1 April 5:00pm
Route: Starting at the North Beach Bay of Plenty Amphitheatre, proceeding on the lower Marine Parade (promenade) to North Beach Paddling Pools and back. This route is 2kms. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Drama – The Age of Kali
29-31 March • 7pm
The notorious Kali conscripts his allies, the personifications of human vices, for an ambitious take-over of the world. He succeeds in expanding his kingdom until threatened by the counterculture of kirtan. This is a contemporary take on a provocative story captured from ancient Vedic text. It holds a mirror to the audience with fun and flare and includes a live choir. Performed by South African-based theatre company, Bhakti Theatre, who recently arrived from their India tour where they performed eleven shows in West Bengal and Delhi. Directed by internationally acclaimed Bhaktimarga Swami.
Festival Park & Ride
Grass patch opposite the Old Durban Drive-In.
Transport will be provided from the parking to Elangeni Hotel on Snell Parade. The parking area will be protected by festival security and car guards.
Operational from Friday 29 March 8am until Monday 1 April 9pm.
What’s New
The Soul Quest
Go on a 45-minute mission alone, as a couple, in a team or as a family. On completion of each task, you will be awarded a colour-coded sticker to add to your scorecard. Use your completed scorecard to claim your prize. Tasks can be completed in any order. What are the tasks?
360 Photo Booth
Take a selfie and upload it to your social media. You must tag #ChariotFestDBN #Feastforthesoul.
Soul Quest – A Story
Complete a soul journey through interactive storytelling.
Breeze of Tranquility – Prayer Flags
Complete the centuries-old tradition of writing your heartfelt prayers or intentions on a flag and hoisting it high, sending your hopes and dreams into the universe.
Mantra Park
Chant 108 Hare Krishna maha-mantras.
Soul Fest Arena Highlights
Soul Symphony • Saturday 30 March 5pm-7pm
Sounds to ignite the soul. A variety concert of local and international musicians including:
Sonic Devotion with Craig Lucas
The Voice Season 2 winner, Craig Lucas brings his mesmerising voice to Durban turf with alternative pop. He shares his personal journey into sacred sound.
The Rubbish Orchestra by Mhayise Productions
A fun, interactive family event featuring percussionists, dancers and musicians in a live impromptu ‘jam’ with mantra. The audience use ‘rubbish’ items facilitated by ‘the orchestra conductor’.
Aden Hinds Band
Sama Nominee Aden Hinds combines with the legendary South African violinist, Anton Cawthorn-Blazeby (Landscape Prayers), as well as multi-instrumentalist Richard Haslop on dobro and mandolin and more.
Mighty Vibration
A spiritual-conscious reggae music act. Texito Langa, is a talented drummer, producer, composer, and vocalist from Mozambique. His debut album, “Introspective,” is a collection of songs encouraging personal growth and responsibility.
Nkosinathi and Bhava Bhakti
Bring home the current global trend: Kirtan, where mantra and meditation meet music. A collective contribution of positive vibration into the ethos.
Everybody Dance Now • Sunday 31 March 5pm-7pm
This Moment – Kwamashu School of Dance
With the loss of homes, jobs and loved ones, has our community have lost hope? A Site-Specific Performance that highlights grief, the power of prayer and the coming together of community to find hope in the spirit of dance and music.
The Tale of Krishna by Eastern Moves
This dance drama captures little Krishna’s “cosmic theft” and mischievous adventure that leads to His mother’s discovery of the universe swirling within Him. Through captivating choreography and evocative storytelling, the production explores innocence, wonder, and the boundless depths of the cosmos.
An Ode to Gaza – Mhayise Productions
A choreo-poem that fuses contemporary dance, physical theatre, music & spoken word. It explores in creative introspection the pain and the trauma faced in Gaza and the cries of its many children. Amidst the chaos of war, it is a call for peace and prayer for healing.
Cakra-Flow Art – SukaDev & Vasanti
Traditionally a Vedic weapon of war, the Cakra is transformed by SukaDev into a dance art to pay homage to ancient warriors. This visual spectacular is accompanied by Vasanti’s live poetic reflections.
Indo-Afro Fusion – Nehaal Productions
An explosion of energy & harmony created by the fusion of Bollywood & African sounds celebrates the South African spirit of unity.
Kidz Hour @ Soul Fest Arena
Friday & Sunday 1pm-2pm
Mystic Krishna Tales with Raksha
Step into the realm of divine Krishna adventures with Raksha’s With a blend of storytelling magic, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration. Transports young minds into sacred lands to meet colourful characters with timeless lessons.
The Mystical Blue Boy
A Fruit-seller Finds Gold
The Great Butter Thief
Come Under My Umbrella
Interactive Dance
Keep the kids active and entertained with Interactive Dance sessions. From contemporary moves to traditional dandiya (stick) dance, Kaajal and Iksha will teach them rhythm, beat and pose all with a fun energy blast.
Life-In-Style @ Soul Fest Arena
Daily 3pm to 4pm
Short interviews & audience discussion on hot and lively topics:
Women in Leadership by Vino Govender: Managing Director of L.A Consulting Engineers and 2016 winner of National Woman in Business Champion at the South African Small Business Awards.
The Wisdom of Insecurity & Anchoring the Self in Global Chaos with Gaurangi, a counsellor in the area of Energy Efficiency and Healing.
Karma-free Eating: Minesh and Varsha from Vrushik’s discuss growing Vegetarian and Vegan eating trends
Reiki with Kamala Sundari: Accredited Reiki practitioner delves into the secrets of energy healing.
Healing through Yoga with Ramashna: Accredited yoga teacher guides us in the art of motion healing.
Simple Living Holistic Thinking with Dina Caitanya is a multi-faceted artist in Reiki, Energy, Chef Skills, and Holistic Living as well as a social media influencer.
Financial Wealth Creation with Radha Thakurani, Banking Executive
Wisdom Bites @ Soul Fest Arena
Sample our ten-minute thought appetisers and feed your mind with purpose, peace and practical steps for inner transformation.
Wise Discipline with the home-grown trending monk, Savya Saci
Refresh Your Relationships with UK corporate mentor, Bhuta Bhavana
Dance Like No One’s Watching with life coach, Krishangi Radhe
Discover Your Own Voice with Folk-Indie musician Jade Green
Leadership for an Age of Higher Consciousness with Ghanian Bhakti Practitioner, Srivas
Mind Your Mind with Psychology graduate and councillor, Gaura Bhumi
Festival Favourites
Soul Query – Q&A
Here are some of the topics for discussion:
Karma & Reincarnation: explore the profound concepts of karma and reincarnation, understanding their implications on personal destiny and life choices.
Spiritual Practices & Principles: focuses on the core spiritual practices and principles that form the foundation of spiritual life.
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth: encourage personal development and offer insights into improving one’s quality of life through spiritual principles.
Science & Spirituality: thought-provoking discussions bridging the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom.
Leadership & Empowerment: addresses leadership from a spiritual perspective, empowering individuals to lead with wisdom and compassion.
Ethical & Social Issues: explore the intersection of spirituality with contemporary social and ethical issues.
Mindfulness & Psychological: Explore the nature of the mind and perception thereby providing insights into achieving mental and emotional well-being.
Philosophical & Theological Insights: a deep dive into philosophical questions and theological discussions.
Life Skills & Practical Wisdom: insight into practical aspects of life like charity, reality perception, and making crucial life choices.
Soul Journey – Short Workshops & Seminars
The purpose is the fuel for an incredibly fulfilling life. Find access to spiritual spaces even in our daily lives. Renew, reset and refresh. Consciously connect with the mind and soul. In this space, we offer ten highly qualified international and local speakers and professional practitioners who will provide an astute analysis of the current state of affairs and the tools for self-transformation and empowerment.
Sonic Healing – Mantra Meditation
The mantra meditation space is a sanctuary, which will satisfy the soul’s quest for eternal bliss and tranquility. A visit here will elevate your heart and consciousness and re-ignite your relationship with the Supreme. Mantra means to “free the mind.” A visit to the mantra meditation tent will elevate the soul, and re-charge the body, mind and spirit.
Jagannath Palace
Visit Lord Jagannath in His palace where you can offer your heartfelt prayers and offerings.
For Children – The Enchanted Gardens
12pm-8pm
Here every child can immerse herself in a world of magic and whimsy – laughter fills the air and fun knows no bounds. Be greeted by the cheerful antics of our clown and the mesmerising wonders of the magic show. Young minds can unleash their creativity at the Crafts Corner by bringing their visions to life with paint, glitter, and endless possibilities. Test your skills and compete for glory in the Games Zone. Transform into a majestic butterfly a fierce dragon, or a graceful fairy with the stroke of a brush. Let your inner beauty shine as you adorn yourself in colours and sparkles fit for royalty. At the Enchanted Gardens, we believe in the magic of childhood and the power of imagination.
Retail Fair
11am-9pm
Browse through the wide selection of stylish devotional apparel and comfortable block print 100% cotton kurtis, palazzo pants, ready-made cotton blouses & stretch blouses with lace, and cotton dupattas. For worship: tulsi and neem japa beads, tulsi and neem neckbeads, blowing conch shells, peacock fans, and oils. For men: 100% cotton kurtas, T-shirts & dhotis. For young activity books. Keep an eye out for the unique range of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath jewellery and Radha Radhanath branded aprons and bags.
Body Art
11am-9pm
Be a little adventurous with glitter face paint, temporary trendy tattoos and intricate henna designs done by skilled artists. All materials are non-toxic.
Food Court
11am-9pm
Vegan and Vegetarian
If you want the skip the wood-fired biryani, then the food court offers a variety of light meals and chips, roti rolls, cakes, biscuits, cupcakes, and frozen yoghurt ice cream. Note: the free, delicious wood-fired biryani will be served behind the Tourism offices.
Wisdom Books
11am-9pm
Browse our wisdom books store with its wide range of books on bhakti-yoga for the beginner, curious, interested, inquisitive and serious practitioner.
How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net
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