THE seafront was awash with colour as Hare Krishnas celebrated their annual chariot festival.

The festival, known as Ratha Yatra, saw a large wooden chariot carrying three deities pulled along the promenade accompanied by singing, dancing and mass chanting.

The event, based on the original 2,000 year old festival held in the Indian city of Puri, is replicated by believers in cities around the world.

The festival also gave rise to the word juggernaut which comes from jagannatha meaning large unstoppable force or vehicle.

The Brighton festival featured a chariot carrying all three deities which are brought from Birmingham especially for the occasion and attracts people from all over the country.

The event also included a vegetarian feast.

Krishna Gopal Das said: “Brighton has also hosted a growing group of enthusiastic Krishna Conscious devotees for more than ten years.

“We meet every Friday night.”