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The vibrant spirit of Odisha came alive in Morrisville as over 5,000 devotees gathered for the annual Rath Yatra, hosted by the Shree Jagannath Seva Trust of Carolinas (SJSTC) in collaboration with the Hindu Society of North Carolina. Celebrated with grandeur and deep devotion, the event is now recognized as one of the most authentic and widely attended Jagannath festivals in the United States.
Led by Tarini Dash, President of SJSTC, along with Bichitra Sahoo, Vice President, and Jyoti Mishra, the festival featured the tallest chariot on the East Coast, designed and constructed by local Odia IT professionals. The towering twin-canopied chariot carried the sacred deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra through a jubilant crowd of devotees.
The rituals—Snana Purnima, Anasara Ghara, Chhera Pahara, and the final return to the Ratna Singhasana—were performed in accordance with the sacred traditions of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Even the vegetables and cooking methods for Mahaprasad were aligned with temple protocols, preserving authenticity at every level.
The festival was honored by the presence of Senator Jay Chaudhury, NC Senate and Morrisville Mayor T.J. Cawley, who participated in the celebrations and praised the community’s efforts to preserve and share their rich cultural heritage.
Adding to the event’s inclusive appeal, SJSTC invited diverse cultural groups to perform, reflecting the multicultural spirit of the Carolinas. This year’s line-up included captivating performances in Odissi, Sambalpuri folk, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, uniting artists and audiences across traditions.
“Rath Yatra is not just a festival—it is our offering of devotion, love, and togetherness to Lord Jagannath,” said Tarini Dash, SJSTC President.
“It’s inspiring to see the community come together in such harmony," he added.
Bichitra Sahoo, Vice President, said, “This festival reflects the soul of Odisha, brought to life in the Carolinas. Our volunteers and devotees are the heartbeat behind this celebration.”
Along with several other volunteers who spent days and nights to put the event together, Saurav Choudhury and Banita Rath played a crucial role as key members of the event organizing team—leading external collaborations, marketing, community outreach, and promotions, ensuring wide participation and visibility for the festival across the region.
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“Bringing Rath Yatra to life each year is both humbling and energizing. It’s a celebration not just of tradition, but of shared values, cultural pride, and the joy of serving together as a community," said Saurav Choudhury and Banita Rath in a joint statement.
With months of preparation and the collective spirit of hundreds of volunteers, SJSTC’s Rath Yatra continues to be a beacon of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and community unity in the heart of North Carolina.
