New Delhi based Jagannath Temple conducts Ratha Yatra with Sanctity
Thousands of devotees on Wednesday thronged to Tyagaraj Nagar Jagannath temple in New Delhi to witness the famous RathYatra (Car Festival) of Lord Shri Jagannath. This temple today celebrated its 49th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
The three Deities – Shri Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Shubhadra were taken out in a nicely decorated Chariot drawn by the devotees. The Yatra began with one-of –its-kind ritual called “Pahandi Vije” as the deities were lovingly swung out of the Shrine by the Pandas and devotees and installed in the Rath. Thereafter it was pulled out of the temple precinct with a grand procession. A rare annual spectacle greeted by Delhites on road, accompanied by a sea of devotees singing “Kirtan” and dancing to the beats of mridangam and the cymbals. The RathYatra was celebrated in this Mandir in consonance with the rituals followed in Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
The Lord of Universe comes out of His Shrine to give “Darshan” to the devotees, who can touch Him, hug Him, while paying their obeisance. The Festival marks the tradition of Jagannath culture where everyone irrespective of religion caste, creed and colour, is invited and embraced. This symbolizes unique union of devotee with the Lord irrespective of caste, creed, gender and religion.
The Holy procession started from the Temple at 3.30 pm and passed through the 3-km long route, covering Safdarjung Bus Terminal, Vikas Sadan, INA Market, DilliHaat via Aurobindo Marg and returned to the Temple.
The Temple and the Rath were beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and textile designs of Pipli (Odisha). The Kirtan and Bhajan started right from the early morning and continued till late in the evening. A Souvenir to commemorate the occasion was released. About ten thousands devotees were served with Anna prasad arranged by the Managing Committee, Shri Jagannath and Orissa Atrs& Cultural Centre, Delhi.
Shri Manish Sisodia, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, attended the festival as Chief Guest along with Sh. Madan Lal, Hon’ble MLA and Smt. Kusumlata Ramesh, Hon’ble Councillor as other distinguished guests on the occasion.
The Management of the Mandir is also celebrating 12 days cultural festivals of RathYatraMahotsav from 06th July to 17th July, 2016 including Nine-day stay of Lord Jagannath in His Aunt’s House. In the evening of each day, a cultural function will be held in which renowned Odissi dancers and students of renowned Gurus of classical dances will perform.
The special attraction of arrangement of MELA will be held daily in the evening from 7th to 14th July during which various stalls of Odisha food, Odisha handicrafts, Odisha tourism will be organised. Entertainment programs like puppet shows, magic shows, various rides for children, quiz competition etc. will also be held. Other competition like painting, song, and dance among children and ShrethaOdiani among ladies will be organised.
For the first time in the history of Delhi on 12th July, 2016, the Management of the Mandir and OACC willorganise a programme in grand scale at Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi in which students of doyen of Odissi Guru Smt. Sujata Mohapatra, musical hungama by India’s Raw Star Rituraj Mohanty& Group and dance by Artists of India’s Got Talent will show their superb performance. The event will be hosted by famous TV artist Ms. Sulagna Routroy.