American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: This year’s Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) was celebrated at the Wayne Hindu Temple, Wayne, New Jersey, on July 14th. This was the eighth year of Ratha Yatra at the temple, organized jointly by the India Cultural Society (ICS), Mahatma Gandhi Center and the Hindu Temple of Wayne.
The event began with the havan ceremony as per Vedic rituals by temple priest Arvindbhai Sashtri and Odia priest Pitambar Sarangi. Few senior and respected members of the society, including ICS Chairman Jyotindra Bhai Patel, Dr. Sarat Dash, Dr. Dilliswar Sahoo, Dr. Dhiren Das, Mr. Akhileswar Patel, Prabhat Mohapatra, Lalatendu Mohanty and Jayesh (Jitu) Bhai Patel were yajaman (possessor) of this ceremony.
Pahandi (the start of the journey to pay visit to His followers) started with temple dance by Narayan Pandey and Rosalin Mohanty, two visiting artists from Puri temple. The atmosphere was energized with the recital of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ and Odia bhajans along with the rhythmic comforting sounds of Mridanga (Indian drum), Jhanja (Indian cymbals) and conch by all devotees and invited Kirtan group.
More than 500 members of Odia Society and India Cultural Society pulled the 16 feet high, aesthetically decorated chariot, inviting Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath to their life and soul. Many young kids prayed to Lord Jagannath, seeking his blessings for a peaceful and harmonious world.
The journey concluded at the Gundicha temple. Temple devotees prepared khichudi prasad, panna and dry-bhoga to offer to Lord Jagannath which was later shared with all in attendance as Mahaprasad.
The Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) will be celebrated on July 21st, after seven days of rest at Gundicha Mandir.