Jagannath Rath Yatra

Its Rath Yatra today, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannath. It would be a joyous and festive day at Puri today. The deities of Jagannath Mandir – Lord Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra – are traditionally installed on huge chariots (rath) and devotees would pull the chariots through the bada-danda (grand street at Puri) all the way to the Gundicha temple. This is the time when the Lord “comes” to the devotees. Some under-privileged sections, foreigners, and devotees from other religious belief are not allowed in the Jagannath temple at Puri. Lord jagannath comes out this day so that everyone can catch a glimpse of him, it is said that just a glimpse of the Lord takes away all the pains, sorrows and augurs happiness. Devotees chant “Jagannath Swami; Nayan Path Gami; Bhava Tumeh”. It means O! Lord Jagannath! Enter my heart through my eyes.

Normally the festival is in the first week of July, but this time it is on Jun 24th. The monsoons have also been delayed, and its almost 41 C at puri with humidity as high as 92%. The devotees would have a hard time this year. As per news reports, despite the hot and humid conditions, there seems to be no decline in the number of devotees.

Here at Hyderabad, the Rath Yatra is carried out by ISKCON. There are also some special prayers arranged at the new Jagannath temple at Banjara Hills. I will not be able to make it there today, as I am travelling to Indore this evening. Next year I wish Rath Yatra is celebrated at the new Jagannath temple in just the same way as in Puri, that way Oriyas here at Hyderabad would not only get to enjoy the festival but also it would make us feel at home