Braving visa delays, hike in flight fares, foreigners flock to Puri for Rath
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Puri: Despite travel uncertainties due to recent conflicts in some parts of the world, people from Europe and elsewhere have reached Puri to witness the annual
Ratha Yatra
of the sibling deities.
As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Ratha Yatra provides a rare opportunity for devotees across the world to see the deities in their full glory atop their majestic wooden chariots.
"Back home, we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear. But here, I found peace. I came because this is my only chance to see Lord Jagannath. He comes out for the whole world. This is very emotional for me," said Maria Frink, a devotee from Germany
The Grand Road was full of international pilgrims, many donning traditional Indian clothes, dancing and chanting with folded hands.
Their presence added a truly global spirit to the centuries-old Odia tradition.
"I can't go inside the temple, and I respect that. But this festival brings the gods out to us. For one day, the distance between me and Jagannath disappears," said Nguyen Minh, a devotee from Vietnam.
Even amid war and global unrest, faith and devotion have triumphed. Many foreign devotees had to navigate visa delays, increased ticket prices, and travel warnings, but remained undeterred in their mission.
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"My family was worried when I decided to come. But I told them I must see the Lord. The world may be in crisis, but Jagannath gives me hope," said Lea Romano from Italy, visibly emotional after witnessing the deities on the chariots.
"This is the biggest chariot festival of India, I had a dream to witness it. Finally I am here. Amid the sea of human beings, I am able to get a glimpse of the three chariots. I feel so lucky to be here in Puri. For the first time I have visited here," said Mei Lin, a devotee from Singapore.
The Puri district administration and Iskcon volunteers provided logistical and spiritual support to the foreign visitors, ensuring they felt welcomed and guided them through the spiritual proceedings.
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