Lord Jagannath is the iconic symbol of Odia’s heritage and pride. This significance likely explains why invaders throughout history prioritized destroying the temple and its deities over conquering the rulers and territories. Indeed, the Jagannath temple has suffered a staggering 18 invasions over 12 odd centuries, with various Muslim rulers, Afghans, Marathas, and followers of Mahima dharma trying to desecrate this sacred site.
The survival and prosperity of the Jagannath cult are a testament to the courage and devotion of Puri’s former rulers and people, who gave their lives to protect the Srimandir and its deities. Through their efforts, the philosophy of Jagannath has evolved into a universal and inclusive creed, absorbing influences from various religious traditions and sects. From withstanding centuries of invasions by non-Hindu forces to being revered in nearly 200 cities worldwide, Lord Jagannath has indeed become the universal Lord of the Universe, transcending boundaries and cultures.
With Lord Jagannath and his siblings being readied to go on a nine-day annual sojourn, Ommcom News takes a look at some of the famous Rath Yatras taking place on foreign soil.
Rath Yatra At North Carolina, USA
In North Carolina, USA, the Jagannath Committee at the Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) has been holding Rath Yatra for years. Every year, they make an impressive 26-foot tall and 13-foot wide Rath, making it one of the largest chariots in the Americas. This massive structure combines the architectural and artistic elements of the original Nandighosa chariot from Puri, Odisha.
Rath Yatra at Georgia, USA
Every year, devotees of Lord Jagannath in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, celebrate Rath Yatra with great fervour. They celebrate the festival, a day after the festival is observed in Odisha and other parts of India. The organisers also hold cultural events featuring performances by local devotees and serve traditional Odia prasad.
Riya Das, an Odia who has been settled in Georgia says, “This event is a cornerstone of our community, and it’s not just about pulling the chariot, but also about instilling the values of universal brotherhood in our children. We also organize cultural events featuring performances by local devotees. Hindu Odia families settled in the US recalled a miraculous incident where, despite predictions of heavy showers by the meteorological department, not a single drop of rain fell during the Rath Yatra celebration a few years ago, citing the grace of Lord Jagannath.
Juggernaut on Paris streets
In Paris, Mahina Khanum, a distinguished Odissi and Bollywood dancer and choreographer, is dedicated to promoting and preserving Odissi dance, music, and Pattachitra art. She enthusiastically shared her experience of celebrating Rath Yatra in the city. “Every year, we organize a vibrant four-hour procession through the streets of Paris on the day of Rath Yatra. The procession culminates at a designated point where a stage is set up, featuring performances by artists showcasing various Indian art forms, dances, and devotional music. My advanced students also participate in the celebration, showcasing their skills and talents.”
Talking about the celebration of Rath Yatra in Paris, she shared, “A four-hour-long procession is taken out in Paris every year on the day of Rath Yatra. A stage is erected on the culmination point of the procession where artistes showcase their skills including different Indian arts, dances and bhajan singing. My students in the advanced classes also perform on the occasion.”
Speaking on how Rath Yatra is different in this part of the world, she said, “People in the Paris metropolis are used to witnessing festivals from many different parts of the world being celebrated. But they are intrigued by the big chariot of Jagannath when it passes by in the streets and they are genuinely curious to understand what is happening around. And for me, it is always a lovely opportunity to tell them about Odisha and its rich tradition and culture.”
Rath Yatra in Rome
In Rome, the grand wooden chariot, adorned with the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana Chakra, is ceremoniously pulled by devotees using ropes.
Rossella Rukmini Lozzi, a devotee and English teacher in Rome, shared her experience of the annual Rath Yatra in her city. “Since 2015, Rome has hosted the Rath Yatra every year, starting from Piazza Del Popolo, one of the city’s largest public squares, and proceeding along Via Del Corso, a main street reminiscent of Puri’s Grand Road. The deities are brought from the Villa Vrindavana temple in Florence. This year’s celebration took place on May 28, 2022. Devotees from the Hare Krishna community distributed sweets and fruits as prasad, while participants from other cities joined in the Harinam Sankirtan and danced in honour of Lord Jagannath. Notably, the Hindu Bangla community of Rome will organize another Rath Yatra on July 1, coinciding with the official Indian date.”
Rath Yatra in Islamic Nations
Raja Sharma, a Karachi-based Hindu, traces the roots of Rath Yatra celebrations in Pakistan to the influence of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who founded the Hare Krishna Movement in America. Inspired by his teachings, some devotees migrated to Pakistan, sharing the wisdom of Hindu mythology, Bhagavad Gita, and Rath Yatra. Despite Hindus comprising only about 1% of Pakistan’s population, they enthusiastically celebrate Rath Yatra across the country. The main event takes place at Karachi’s Swami Narayan Temple, where the administration ensures elaborate security arrangements for the festival. Over 4,000 devotees participate in the joyous celebration.
Raja fondly recalls his Rath Yatra experience in Dubai, where, in compliance with local regulations, they booked a hall or school to hold the festival. Devotees from across the UAE gathered to celebrate with Kirtann and 56 varieties of ‘bhogs’ (offerings) served to the deities, just like in Puri. These offerings are then distributed among the attendees, spreading the joy and spirit of Rath Yatra.
Rashmi Rekha Das
