Auckland Chariot Festival
Starting with very humble beginnings in 1976, the Auckland festival began in Gribblehurst Park, near the Auckland suburb of Sandringham. It is still remembered through the eyes of the first parade’s participants describing the radiant scene of Jagannatha being hoisted up on a beautifully decorated perambulator accompanied with a lively procession in the midst of the scenic surrounds.
Records also show that the festival was then continued in as an intimate ceremony annually in the years following the first parade. Subsequently, it came to grow into a larger festival after 1978. The construction of a stunning new chariot was completed during the years 1985-1986 and used for the official launch of the first Queen street Chariot Festival in March, 1986.
Over the years, the festival has invoked great curiosity and interest from the Auckland public. For that reason, it is now being organised with even more commitment, dedication and enthusiasm. As a result it is celebrated with immense passion by masses of people whom have grown to value and appreciate the prevalence of this grandeur festival being celebrated in the main street of New Zealand largest city, Auckland.