From Biraja to Srikshetra; Group of devotees walk to Puri ahead of Rath Yatra upholding tradition of faith

In a remarkable display of devotion and tradition, a group of devotees from Jajpur district have embarked on a sacred padayatra to Puri, carrying forward an age-old practice that connects the revered Biraja Kshetra to the holy abode of Lord Jagannath.

Inspired by the legacy of Bandhu Mohanty—a legendary devotee who once walked all the way from Biraja Kshetra to Srikshetra—these devotees have set out on foot to reach the Jagannath Temple in Puri, upholding the spirit of unshakeable faith and endurance.

Their journey started on June 22 from Jajpur, and the devotees are making their way through towns and villages, chanting the name of the Lord and spreading a wave of spiritual energy wherever they pass. Many among them consider this pilgrimage not just a religious duty but a deeply personal vow of devotion.

The padayatra, though physically demanding, is filled with moments of camaraderie, bhajans, and collective prayers, as the devotees aim to reach Puri before the annual Rath Yatra.

“We have started our journey four days ago and very excited to get a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings on Rath Yatra. Though it will be a tiring journey but our faith on the Supreme God keeps us going,” said a devotee from the group.

“I have been coming to Puri since last 40 years. We taking rests at mutts and temples in between the journey. Earlier, around 500 people from our district used to visit Puri. But now the number has gone down to around 100,” said another devotee.