BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
RIVERSIDE, CA - The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath made its debut here on June 24 and 25, when devotees thronged to pay their respects with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Importantly, Rath Yatra (chariot festival) marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha...
RIVERSIDE, CA - The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath made its debut here on June 24 and 25, when devotees thronged to pay their respects with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Importantly, Rath Yatra (chariot festival) marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha...
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of Ashadh, the third month, according to the traditional Oriya calendar. Hence, June’s last weekend saw the Hindu Society of Inland Empire in Riverside holding a grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and Mahotsav of Shreenath in Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir here, which was attended by nearly 300 devotees.
On June 24 night, the festival began with a prayer ceremony of Shreenathji with milk, honey, juice and ‘panchamrit’. On June 25 morning a ceremony was performed for Lord Krishna following which the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Devi Subhadra were seated on the wooden chariot. Then, the huge procession wound through the streets of Riverside as devotees pulled the chariot. In the unique 5-mile long procession, the deities moved forward step by step in rhythm to the beating of ‘ghantas’ and ‘kahalis’ and blowing of conch shells. After the procession, the final ceremony was performed and the chappan bhog (feast) was offered to the deities. Later, the meal was served to the devotees.
The chariot was handmade by the family of Vipul and Beena Jani. Sanjay Jalota, temple president and Ramesh Upadhyayula, chairman of the Board thanked the city of Riverside for giving permission and congratulated all sponsors and volunteers, who worked round the clock to make the grand event a huge success.There are plans to hold this event every year.
On June 24 night, the festival began with a prayer ceremony of Shreenathji with milk, honey, juice and ‘panchamrit’. On June 25 morning a ceremony was performed for Lord Krishna following which the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Devi Subhadra were seated on the wooden chariot. Then, the huge procession wound through the streets of Riverside as devotees pulled the chariot. In the unique 5-mile long procession, the deities moved forward step by step in rhythm to the beating of ‘ghantas’ and ‘kahalis’ and blowing of conch shells. After the procession, the final ceremony was performed and the chappan bhog (feast) was offered to the deities. Later, the meal was served to the devotees.
The chariot was handmade by the family of Vipul and Beena Jani. Sanjay Jalota, temple president and Ramesh Upadhyayula, chairman of the Board thanked the city of Riverside for giving permission and congratulated all sponsors and volunteers, who worked round the clock to make the grand event a huge success.There are plans to hold this event every year.
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