Rath Yatra 2017: Devotees across World celebrate chariot festival

Bhubaneswar: Chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ thronged the globe as the devotees celebrated the famous Rath Yatra festival across the world amidst religious fervour and gaiety proving that Lord Jagannath is indeed the 'Lord of the Universe'.

The deities were brought swaying (Pahandi) to the chariots from the temples by the priests and servitors amidst playing of conchs and drums, blowing of trumpets and loud chants of 'Hari Bol', ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ and 'Jai Jagannath'.

The famous Rath Yatra was celebrated in a grand manner in Bahrain. People have been celebrating the festival for more than 25 years in the Island country.

"We can proudly say that the famous car festival that has originated from Puri is now celebrated across the World and Bahrain is also celebrating Rath Yatra since 25 years,” said chief of Srinathji Temple, Bahrain, Bijay Mukhia.

"All the rituals and traditions are strictly followed and the festival is celebrated with pure devotion here exactly the same way it is done in the real abode of Lord Jagannath," said Arunita Praharaj, an Odia resident of Bahrain.

Apart from this, celebrations took place in many other places in the world. In Singapore too the chariot festival was celebrated with much fervour and devotion by the Singapore Odia Samaj.

Also Read: Rath Yatra: Pulling Of Chariots Resumes In Puri