When it comes to the devotion for the Lord; language, place and distance are never an obstacle. On July 12th, Ratha Jatra was observed in Puri without devotees. Devotees had the darshan of the Holy Trinity on virtual platforms & televisions in their homes due to the COVID19 restrictions.

However, devotees abroad, who are in places with relaxed COVID19 norms observed Rath Yatra festival with curtailed gatherings. This is one such place in Houston, Texas in America. A group of 50-60 families of the Odia community celebrated the auspicious car festival.

The Jagannath devotees in Houston have reportedly constructed a Jagannath temple on a 10-acre land and observed their first Rath Yatra celebrations on July 12th in the temple. The celebrations were conducted after a regular health check-up of various devotees who attended the festival.

All rituals of the Holy Trinity like Chhapan Bhog, Pahandi, Chhera Panhara and chariot pulling ceremony along with Alati were observed during the Rath Yatra celebrations.