Excavations at the Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat have revealed several miniature clay carts featuring inlaid steatite wheels and ornate floral carvings. Unlike common toys found at the site, these carts were discovered in a ceremonial plaza near the northern gate, often accompanied by terracotta flower petals.
Archaeologists hypothesize that these models represent full-sized ritual chariots used in Bronze Age street festivals. The findings suggest that the tradition of parading deities or sacred symbols through urban centers—a practice still central to many South Asian festivals today—has its roots in the sophisticated urban planning and communal life of the Indus Valley Civilization.