Russian Devotees to Join Patna’s Jagannath Yatra; Odisha Artisans Craft Chariot Adorned with Flowers from Bangalore, Kolkata, and Thailand

Patna: The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, a significant event traditionally held in Puri, Odisha, will also grace the streets of Patna on Sunday. Organized by ISKCON Patna, the procession will feature Lord Jagannath, along with his brother and sister, seated on a specially designed hydraulic chariot standing 40 feet high.

The chariot, adorned with flowers sourced from Bangalore, Kolkata, and Thailand, will be decorated with roses, marigolds, orchids, and chrysanthemums. Artisans from Odisha have meticulously crafted and painted the chariot, which prominently features the inscriptions ‘Jai Jagannath, Jai Baldev and Jai Subhadra’ alongside ‘Hare Krishna’. The wheels of the chariot are embellished with intricate designs of conches and maces.

ISKCON Patna President Krishna Kripa Das announced that the temple will be illuminated with colourful lights, and a large pandal has been erected for devotees in front of the temple. A painting of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will be displayed on the chariot. To cater to the large crowd, prasad consisting of peanuts, sugar, and fennel is being prepared for distribution to devotees along the route.

A bhandara will be organized upon the return of the chariot, serving puri, dal, rice, vegetables, kheer, and sweets. Security measures are being meticulously planned, with the temple’s own security personnel, guards, and an additional deployment of around 50 police officers by the government. An estimated 250,000 devotees are expected to participate in the event.

Devotees will have the opportunity to join the Rath Yatra and depart after their darshan. An international kirtan group, including devotees from Russia, will also be present to enhance the spiritual atmosphere.

The Rath Yatra will commence at ISKCON Mandir and will traverse through significant landmarks including Tara Mandal, Vidyut Bhavan, Patna High Court, Bihar Museum, Patna Women’s College, Income Tax Golumbar, Kotwali, Dak Bangla Chauraha, Maurya Lok, before returning to ISKCON Mandir Buddhamarg. The event will take place from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, following the Aarti Puja.