Amidst joyous cries of ‘Hari Bolo’ and ‘Jai Jagannatha’, the auspicious Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannatha was celebrated recently with great fanfare by Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK) in Southall, west London.
Over 500 Jagannath devotees of all ages from across London and the UK joined the procession from Southall’s Shri Ram Mandir to The Villiers High School to celebrate the grand journey of the Lord Jagannatha and his divine siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
The majestic event saw devotees partake in festivities, chanting the name of the Lord, dancing joyously as bhajans and kirtans were sung, and pulling the chariot along – an act which is believed to wash away any and all karmaphala (the result of one’s deeds) accumulated in one’s lifetime.
The elaborate rituals and festivities were conducted in accordance with Jagannatha Riti (age old practices and traditions) practiced by priests from Shri Jagannatha Mandir in Puri, Odisha and as per the Vidhi (religious procedures) laid out in Skanda Purana. The bedecked murtis [idols] of the deities, adorned with new clothes and beautiful jewellery and flowers, were carried in a newly refurbished chariot – hand-constructed, painted and decorated by volunteers over several days.
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The highlight of the event were the melodious bhajans [devotional songs] sung by young children, echoing the rich culture and heritage present in the UK diaspora community. Devotees were able to offer Puja and archana (consecrated offerings) to the deities on the chariot, and avail this most rare opportunity to seek the deity’s blessings. The devotees were also treated to delicious Chhappan Bhog Prasad which comprises of 56 specially prepared delicacies.
As a registered charitable organisation, SJSUK conducts several humanitarian, social, educational and spiritual initiatives, including their aid during the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent Odisha train accident. They are also committed to their goal of constructing an iconic Shree Jagannatha Mandir London, which they hope will be the epicentre of Jagannath culture in Europe and a major attraction for devotees and tourists from across the world, from where organisation will also deliver spiritual and socio-educational events and community-based projects.
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*Info: Shree Jagannatha Society UK