A colourful cultural festival that lit up central Whangarei could become an annual fixture.
Northland's Hare Krishna community celebrated one of the religion's most important festivals on Saturday with a colourful chariot ride through the city and free food and entertainment in the Cafler Park.
For the first time in Northland the Krishnas held a Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival where a colourful chariot - symbolising transporting deities - was pulled through the streets of Whangarei. The chariot pull began at the Town Basin Carpark before the festival was held in the Cafler Park Rose Garden.
Spokesman Buddhi Wilcox said the event was a huge success and he was delighted with the support it received from the public as it was towed through the city accompanied by dancing and music.
"It went very, very well and certainly added a bit of colour and life to the town. We'd like to make it an annual event now," Mr Wilcox said.