Festival of Chariots in Cape Town, 27th December 2006

I went to Sea Point to watch the parade and I was looking forward to some tasty vegetarian food, as well. My sister, Ursula, her elder daughter, Natalie, and two of my friends, Laureen and Veronica, were also there. (The food was very disappointing, and the organisation shambolic.) The attending crowd did justice to the "rainbow nation". There was a large contingent from the local Indian community, mainly Hindus, but also quite a few Muslims. There was a palette of skin tones, ranging from English tan to rich Black. And a babel of languages: local, naturalised or just visiting.

The tents and assembly area were on Beach Road, near the Sea Point Public Library. This road runs above the beach. The Chariot, yes, definitely singular, looked like an eccentric hot air balloon attached to a big, heavy cart. Because of the crowd, I couldn't see how it was moved, pushed or pulled by devotees. Definitely not motorised. Before the Chariot set off there was chanting and drumming, and, I think, some dancing. All I could see was a bald head, which kept popping above the crowd. I think this was the drummer.

Once the two idols were enthroned to the accompaniment of chanting, the Chariot began moving forward slowly. I use the word idols, for lack of a better word. To me they looked like two largish brown discs, with crude, but colourful faces. Nothing resembling a human figure, nor a lingam and yoni.