Devotion powers 18 years of Rath Yatra at Rental Colony
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Bhubaneswar: In the heart of Bhubaneswar, a vibrant tradition has been thriving for nearly two decades, uniting the community in a celebration of faith and togetherness. Rental Colony has hosted the Rath Yatra for the past 18 years, marking the annual journey of Chaturdamurti.
What began as a modest initiative by residents has grown into a cherished event, drawing participants from the colony and nearby areas. The celebration traces its roots to a small Hanuman and Shiva temple, which laid the spiritual foundation for the establishment of the Jagannath Temple in 2005.
In 2007, the Rath Yatra was introduced, inspired by the community's devotion. Since then, it has become a major event in the locality's cultural calendar.
Pravakar Satpathy, the temple's chief priest, stresses the importance of performing rituals similar to the Rath Yatra in Puri. "It is the divinity of the deities which gave us power to organise the Rath Yatra with ease," he said, highlighting the spiritual strength behind the event.
Now, the deities reside in Anasara Gruha, and devotees worship the Pati Dian, or representative images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Satpathy and his team meticulously perform every ritual — from Mailama and Nabajoubana to Adharapana — preserving the sanctity of the celebration.
A key feature of the festival is the construction of the chariot. Chief carpenter Nilakantha Moharana has been leading the effort since Akshaya Tritiya, crafting the 21-feet-high structure using the same type of wood for years. Moharana ensures the rath is ready to carry the Chaturdamurti to the nearby Shyamakali Temple, which symbolically serves as the Gundicha Temple.
"This is the same wood we have been using for years now for making the chariot," Moharana noted. He underscores the continuity and tradition embedded in the annual festival.
Ashok Raj, a member of the organising committee, invited all to join the celebrations. "We have been organising the Rath Yatra for 18 years now. We are always making extra efforts to make the celebrations special," he said.
Rath Yatra at Rental Colony is more than a festival — it is a powerful reflection of community, continuity and devotion.
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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Community support brings to life Baramunda festival
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: A wave of festive spirit has swept through Baramunda, one of the oldest localities in the capital city, as residents prepare for their Rath Yatra this year. Rath Yatra at the local Jagannath Temple, which began as a humble celebration in 1992 has grown into a cherished community event with active participation from residents. "People from all ages from the youth to the elderly have their roles in making the event successful," said Benudhara Paikary, a senior member of the Ratha Yatra organising committee. "The tradition of being associated with Rath Yatra has been carried on from one generation to another. Younger members are joining hands and with the guidance of elders, we are conducting the festival every year. Thousands of devotees come from nearby villages to pull the chariots. It is also a means of keeping alive our heritage and culture," said Anil Das, a young member of the committee. Every aspect of the Ratha Yatra is crowd-funded. Residents contribute whatever they can, in terms of money, materials or labour to ensure the festival is organised smoothly. Paikary said Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra travel on one chariot. "The 30-ft high chariot has retained its original design since its inception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Parts of it are replaced each year with fresh wood and new cloth, depending on wear and tear. We only made the idols bigger when the new temple was constructed." The chariot construction began on June 1, with villagers contributing time, resources and skills. From assembling the structure to painting it with vibrant colours and intricate traditional motifs, the members of the community are leaving no detail untouched. Finishing touches, cloth and paint are now being added. The deities are carried in the chariot that is pulled through the village to Nilakantheswar temple, considered as Gundicha temple, around 1 km away. Villagers organise a special music programme on the day the deities wear Suna Besha (golden attire). Kumara Sarathi, who has been steering the chariot for the past three years, said, "Driving the chariot is not just a responsibility, it's a blessing. You feel the presence of the Lord with every step." The growth of the temple complex reflects the evolving aspirations of the community. They have constructed a Ram Temple this year and are planning to refurbish the Mausi Ma temple next year. "Commitment of the villagers for the Lord goes far beyond rituals," said Paikray.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Devotion powers 18 years of Rath Yatra at Rental Colony
1 2 3 4 5 6 Bhubaneswar: In the heart of Bhubaneswar, a vibrant tradition has been thriving for nearly two decades, uniting the community in a celebration of faith and togetherness. Rental Colony has hosted the Rath Yatra for the past 18 years, marking the annual journey of Chaturdamurti. What began as a modest initiative by residents has grown into a cherished event, drawing participants from the colony and nearby areas. The celebration traces its roots to a small Hanuman and Shiva temple, which laid the spiritual foundation for the establishment of the Jagannath Temple in 2005. In 2007, the Rath Yatra was introduced, inspired by the community's devotion. Since then, it has become a major event in the locality's cultural calendar. Pravakar Satpathy, the temple's chief priest, stresses the importance of performing rituals similar to the Rath Yatra in Puri. "It is the divinity of the deities which gave us power to organise the Rath Yatra with ease," he said, highlighting the spiritual strength behind the event. Now, the deities reside in Anasara Gruha, and devotees worship the Pati Dian, or representative images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Satpathy and his team meticulously perform every ritual — from Mailama and Nabajoubana to Adharapana — preserving the sanctity of the celebration. A key feature of the festival is the construction of the chariot. Chief carpenter Nilakantha Moharana has been leading the effort since Akshaya Tritiya, crafting the 21-feet-high structure using the same type of wood for years. Moharana ensures the rath is ready to carry the Chaturdamurti to the nearby Shyamakali Temple, which symbolically serves as the Gundicha Temple. "This is the same wood we have been using for years now for making the chariot," Moharana noted. He underscores the continuity and tradition embedded in the annual festival. Ashok Raj, a member of the organising committee, invited all to join the celebrations. "We have been organising the Rath Yatra for 18 years now. We are always making extra efforts to make the celebrations special," he said. Rath Yatra at Rental Colony is more than a festival — it is a powerful reflection of community, continuity and devotion.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Iskcon to host Rath Yatra on June 29
Prayagraj: Devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Prayagraj are gearing up to celebrate the much-awaited annual Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 29. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Rath Yatra will commence at 4 pm from Hira Halwai Crossing and pass through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir before culminating at the KP ground. According to Achyuta Mohan Das, the temple president, during the yatra, Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra will sit on the chariot. Preparations began a month in advance with the formation of FOJ (Friends of Jagannath), in which more than 70 volunteeers aged 12-25 years took up various services. There will be other dance performances besides Harinam Sankirtan. A team of 150 devotees from Varanasi is also expected to participate in the festivities. Another highlight of the Rath Yatra will be the offering of 1008 types of bhoga from devotees of different states of India. "Iskcon is organising the yatra on the 29th, instead of the 27th, as it being a Sunday, we wish to give more and more people the opportunity to get the blessings," explained Das.
