KIIT prepares for vibrant celebration of faith and culture

Time of India

8 hours ago

BHUBANESWAR: The KIIT Jagannath Temple is bustling with activity as preparations for its 19th Rath Yatra are in full swing. The usually quiet ground near the temple has transformed into a temporary workshop since Akshaya Tritiya, as carpenters, artists and their assistants are working round-the-clock to complete the chariots.
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'Artworks and painting on the chariots will be completed soon. The chariots will be covered with colourful cloth. By Wednesday, we will be ready for the annual sojourn of the holy trinity,' said Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, who performs the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual before the chariots roll.
Regarding the building of Jagannath Temple on the KISS campus, Samanta said, 'A person named Surendra Das once came to me and talked about his dream related to the installation of deities at KISS.
Initially, we could not believe it, but later we made a decision to build the temple.'
Over the years, Samanta said the temple has hosted numerous social events, reinforcing its role as a social nucleus. 'The annual Rath Yatra draws people in hordes from far and wide,' he added.
The KIIT shrine follows rituals of the Puri Jagannath Temple and has expanded to include a permanent Gundicha Temple/Mausi Ma Temple, built four years ago, about 1km away.
During the Rath Yatra, the chariots will proceed to the Mausi Ma Temple and remain there until the Bahuda Yatra.
Temple priest Basanta Hota said he cannot express his feelings in words. 'I never faced difficulties while following the Rath Yatra rituals or pujas. Service to the Lord and His siblings is my utmost priority. The deities mean a lot to me,' he added.
'The Rath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from nearby villages, rest of the city, and KIIT and KISS.
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We all pull the chariots. We have been attending the festival since 2007. We eagerly wait for the Rath Yatra in our locality,' said Jhilli Behera, a resident of Pathargadia village.
The temple complex, comprising 12 shrines, has evolved into a significant religious and social hub, hosting various events, including marriages and thread ceremonies. 'We've created an inclusive space that welcomes all, fostering unity and shared cultural heritage,' said Rabindranath Biswal, general manager, KIIT Temple Trust.
Divine Devotion
KIIT Jagannath Temple was constructed in 2006. Rath Yatra officially started in 2007
Many Jagannath temples in the city have a single chariot for Rath Yatra, but this temple has three chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra
The chariot of Devi Subhadra is pulled by women only. Devotees pull the chariots for around one kilometre from the Jagannath Temple at KISS campus to Gundicha Temple near Infocity Police Station
In 2023, the temple trust constructed three new chariots for Rath Yatra. This year, they are replacing the weak parts and repairing some portions
Chariot work starts from the day of Akshaya Tritiya and ends a day before Rath Yatra. A team of carpenters from Ganjam's Buguda takes part in the construction of chariots
The temple will organise musical programmes during the evening at Gundicha Temple from June 28 to July 4 and at Jagannath Temple on July 6 and 7