Scarborough, July 26, 2013: The glory of Lord Ganesha will be celebrated in Scarborough this Saturday, July 27, as a gigantic hand-carved chariot circles the parking lot of a Kennedy Road temple.

As part of an annual Hindu Chariot Festival, the diety will emerge from Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar at 9 a.m. and ride outside for about two hours while offerings are made.

The event always draws a crowd of many thousands, and temple officials have said all are welcome to watch.

The temple is at 3025 Kennedy Rd., between Finch and McNicoll avenues.

The Chariot Festival is a an important event for Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus in Toronto, and thousands are expected to attend Saturday’s event.

On this day the idol of the elephant god Lord Ganesha is kept on the pedestal of the chariot and slowly drawn around the temple by the devotees irrespective of cast. For this purpose, the chariot is attached to two long heavy ropes enabling all who wish and cherish to pull it, a chance to hold on to the rope.

Source: Inside Toronto.com