Skip to Content
Events

Festival of Chariots ~ Venice Beach

10:22 PM PDT on July 30, 2006

Chariots

Look, we know. Hare Krishnas kinda skeev you out. We've been there. Some top-knotted white guy, who you can totally tell was way into crystal meth just last year, gives you a 'free book' full of colorful mythology, than asks you to pay for it five minutes later. And some places find them as deep and persistent as time-share salesmen.

We're happy to find out all previous experience with this cult, ahem, sect has left us with the wrong impression. After 2 conversion-free lunches at Govinda's and our second Festival of the Chariots at Venice Beach, we've become quite envious of the Hare Kirshna lifestyle. Let's briefly examine why they rule so hard.

Chariots

First of all, we already know these people like to party. Hard. When was the last-time your cool-dude friends decided to hold an impromptu dance-party in the middle of the street, breaking it down in public like it was Sabado Gigante? When was that again? Oh...never? Interesting!

Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots

Secondly, have you ever gotten a gander at the chicks these guys hang out with? They're totally hot, with a kind of hippie vibe that makes you wonder if they are into free love as well. There's a bunch of gorgeous Indian girls included in this mix, too. Even better, all their white hoes dress in saris, bangles and nose piercings, maybe in apology for being born in such shamefully white and disgusting Earth-bound incarnations. Keep trying girls, you'll have more melanin in the next life if you do good.

Third, did we mention Hare Krishnas totally know how to party? The Festival of the Chariots had enough free vegetarian food for 20,000 people, very appreciated by the hundreds of homeless in the area.

Chariots

When have the Christians ever done anything so...well, Christian? It goes a lot further than your scoldings about hellfire, guys. We just want some fucking free food every now and again, is that too much to ask?

The Hare Krishna Co. also had dancing, music, lectures, and cool displays that had men dying and being born again before our very eyes. Whoa! Best of all, no one approached us with any "free" books or attempts to talk about our damned souls. I think they were too busy macking on sari-clad desis to be bothered. In any case, these guys seriously rule and we recommend you join them now, since we'll probably all be persuaded to sooner or later.

Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Coconuts
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
You with the books...
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots
Chariots

More Stories

We Mapped All the Random Spots In California That DHS Operates From, Revealed By the Latest Hack

L.A. TACO confirmed the locations of nearly 100 DHS-controlled sites in more than 60 cities across 11 counties in the state, including a warehouse in El Cajon primarily used by different pool and spa wholesale companies and much more.

November 11, 2026

Second Hunger Strike at Adelanto ICE Facility This Year Sees Participants Up to 65 Years Old Demanding Their Freedom From ‘Kidnapping’ 

The Adelanto ICE Processing Center is one of the deadliest ICE detention facilities in the nation. At least 24 reported detainees are standing against their captivity this past week.

November 11, 2026

The Untold Origin Story of L.A.’s Most Iconic Shrimp Taco

“I sold DVDs on the street,” Raul Ortega tells L.A. TACO. “I was a custodian, I was a mechanic; all while going to school to learn English. I did everything that was needed to feed my family.”

November 10, 2026

Investigations Newsletter: D.A. Nathan Hochman Wants the State to Keep Killing People

Pursuing death penalty cases at a time when approval for state-sanctioned killings is at an all-time low is a weird hill to die on (no pun intended).

November 9, 2026

In ‘Cop City,’ Young Santa Clarita Activists Are Fighting Flock Cameras

“I came back from college. I was applying for jobs, and no one was responding,” Jaechan Lee says. “So I decided I’m just going to make experiences for myself. I had seen the local media post an Instagram poll where 80% of people were against Flock cameras."

November 9, 2026

Be The First To See The Newest Rides From Porsche DTLA, Chevy, Alfa Romeo, and Dozens More At L.A. Auto Show

Look, touch, get inside of, and even test-drive the most cutting edge vehicles at the esteemed 10-day celebration of the newest 2027 cars. With plenty of classics among its one-million square feet.

November 9, 2026