Ratha Yatra report from Wayne Hindu Temple

Jagannatha swami… nayana-pathagaami… bhavatume. India Cultural Society of New Jersey and Tri-State Odia Devotees of USA celebrated famous Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) on June 28th Saturday at Wayne Hindu Temple. Thousands of devotees were blessed to participate in the Yatra festival of Chaturdha Murti: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balavadra, Devi Suvadra & Lord Sudarshan for eighteenth consecutive years. Ratha Yatra festival marked the annual journey of three deities Lord Jagannathji, brother Balabhadraji and sister Subhadraji from the temple in a splendidly decorated wooden chariot. Mahapuja began with sacred Yagna in the afternoon by priest Sastri Anilbhai Joshi & Pandit Pitambar Sarangi. Senior Members of Temple Dr. Sarat Dash, Jayesh Patel, Dr. Dhiren Das, Akhil Patel, Kaushik Patel, Mr Prabhas Panigrahi & Arvind Bhatt participated in the MahaPuja & Yagna. Many devotees including dignitaries attended the puja, Maha Aarati and the pahandi (ritual journey of the deities) ceremony.

Sri Jagannath Bhajan by Dr Bijoy Das & Kirtan presented by devotees filled the temple atmosphere with lots of devotion. Kitchen volunteers prepared Maha Prasad and Chhapan Bhoga to offer their beloved God on this auspicious day. Other important rituals like Chhera Panhara (symbolic cleansing around the chariot) was performed by Dr Dhiren Das and Mr. Prabhas Panigrahi with a broom (gold-handled) and sprinkles sandalwood water while Priests were enchanting shlokas and other dignitaries were offering flower services. With the ensemble music from Mridangam, Ghanta, Gini and Kirtan devotees enjoyed pulling the beautifully decorated chariot to Shri Gundicha Temple where deities will reside for 9 days.

The Bahuda Yatra (return Rath Yatra) on which the deities return to the main temple from Gundicha temple (which is believed to be their aunt’s house), was celebrated on Sunday, July 06th. This return journey is a significant part of the annual Rath Yatra festival. The term “Bahuda” itself means “return” or “homecoming” in Sanskrit.

Live bhajan program, vocal performances, Indian Classical and Fusion Dance Ensemble were presented by local and professional artists. Several hundred attendees joined at Wayne Hindu Temple auditorium and witnessed the splendid cultural show while enjoying authentic snacks and Lassi from the state of Odisha. Bahuda Rath Yatra started at 7pm from Sri Gundicha Temple and deities went back to Ratna Mandap after the Laxmi Darshan ritual. During the Bahuda Yatra, the chariot stopped on the way where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional sweet.

Devotees got the auspicious darshan of Lord Sri Jagannath, Sri Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in the beautiful “Suna Vesa” (Golden Attire) along with the Maha Aarati. This memorable Yatra ended with the serving of delicious Mandir Prasad.