ENARADA,Bubhaneshwar, June 29, 2014
Sri Jagannatha Rath Yatra was celebrated at Shrivani khetra of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences(KISS) on 29th June 2014 amid religious fervour and gaiety.
KISS organises Rath yathra on the same day in and around KIIT & KISS campuses when the World famous auspicious Rath Yathra takes place in Puri. This helps thousands of tribal children studying in KISS and other devotees residing in Bhubaneshwar to participate in Rath Yathra in their vicinity.
More than 30 thousand devotees participated in pulling the three decorated chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra being carried on three colourful wooden chariots, festooned with flowers, appliqué and mural paintings.
The Pahandi and other rituals like Mangala Arati, Mailama,Tadapalagi, Rosha Homa, Abakasha, Surya Puja, Chariots inauguration etc followed by procession of deities from temple sanctum to the chariots began in the morning as per the ethics and rituals of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagganath Temple of Shri Khetra, Puri.
Large number of devotees including Tribal children who are studying in KISS and locals gathered to pull the three chariots in the afternoon after Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KISS performed the holy ritual of cherapahanra, the ceremonial sweeping of the Chariots.
The special feature of Ghosayatra here is that, Devadalan, the chariot of Goddess Subhadra was pulled by only females.
While pulling chariots, devotees were chanting ‘Jai Jagannath’, ‘Jai Baladeva’ and ‘Jai Subhadra’ in ecstacy.
Many devotees were singing ‘Jagannath Ashtakam’ containing 9 verses which glorifies Lord Jagannath. All along the route devotees offered a special prayer ‘Jagannatha Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhaba tume’ (Lord of the universe, kindly be visible unto me) by folding their hands.
