Organised by resident Osiji Onah, with help from councillors, the festival at Barn Cottage Green featured a short procession with the hand-drawn chariot. Other highlights included delicious free vegetarian food, music from Inner Light – a George Harrison tribute band – and Haywards Heath Concert Band and community dancing. Osiji said: “Thanks go to support that was received from Mid Sussex District Council, and a special mention to Nigel Cannon who also gave up his time to assist with the road closures on the day, for enabling the whole event to go ahead on their land. “Also to Haywards Heath Town Council for the loan of equipment, financial support through their ward budget scheme and to the excellent new mayor Alistair Macpherson who helped out and opened the event, and to Clarion for providing posters.” Osiji said visitors travelled from as far as Bristol and Watford to come to the festival. He added that it was ‘undoubtedly a success and hugely good fun’. He said it is hoped that the festival will become an annual event that will draw ever bigger crowds, helping support local businesses and provide local residents with another unique offer that they can be proud of. A spokesman for Haywards Heath Town Council said the new mayor, councillor Alistair Macpherson, and councillors got into the swing of things at the event on Saturday. The spokesman added: “A wonderful event full of vibrant colourful fun and food, music and dancing. A fantastic community spirit in Haywards Heath.” The Rathayatra festival originated in India and is more than 5,000 years old. It is an annual Vedic celebration to bring good karma to the area and features a chariot, usually kept in the London temple, that is brought to local communities for them to draw through the streets. Celebrations are held in several major UK cities – such as London which brings in around 30,000 attendees – and more locally in Crawley and Brighton. Residents Joan and Derek Ward said it was ‘wonderful’ that something like this has come to the area. What did you think of the festival? Tell our newsdesk at middy.news@jpimedia.co.uk