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Key Points

A US-based Ecuadorian devotee described her first Puri Rath Yatra experience as a dream fulfilled. Pilgrims from Bangladesh and beyond joined the sacred chariot procession honoring Lord Jagannath. Meanwhile, West Bengal marked its first Digha Rath Yatra, inspired by Puri's traditions. ISKCON Kolkata also celebrated with chariots modeled after Puri's iconic designs.

Key Points: Ecuadorian Devotee Calls Puri Rath Yatra a Dream Come True

  • Ecuadorian devotee fulfills lifelong dream at Puri Rath Yatra
  • Bangladeshi pilgrims revive Krishna love through chariot rituals
  • Digha's first Rath Yatra mirrors Puri's sacred procession
  • ISKCON Kolkata celebrates with chariots matching Puri's tradition
2 min read

It is a dream come true, says Ecuadorian devotee as people from around the world join Rath Yatra in Puri

A US-based Ecuadorian devotee shares her joy at witnessing Puri's Rath Yatra for the first time as global pilgrims join the sacred procession.

"It is a dream come true to take darshan and share our devotion with the others here. – Ecuadorian Devotee"

Puri, June 27

Devotees from across the world have gathered in Puri to witness the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as the grand chariots of the three deities--Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra--make their way to the Gundicha temple, where the deities will reside for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

A woman devotee of Ecuadorian origin, currently residing in the United States, expressed her joy at attending the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri for the first time. Calling it a "dream come true," she said she felt blessed to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath and to share the spiritual experience with fellow devotees.

Speaking to ANI, she said, "We are really happy that today we will take darshan of Lord Jagannath. This is our first time here. I feel completely happy. It is a dream come true to take darshan and share our devotion with the others here."

A devotee from Bangladesh said the festival is a special opportunity to revive their love for Lord Krishna by taking part in the rituals and pulling the sacred chariots, "...This is a chance to revive our love for Lord Krishna by attending this festival and pulling the chariots."

A sea of devotees gathered outside the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri as the grand annual Rath Yatra festival began today.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the first-ever Rath Yatra at the recently inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha is also set to begin. The procession will follow a one-kilometre route, with chariots modelled on those in Puri.

ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das said the festival is inspired by the Puri Rath Yatra and added that West Bengal Chief Minister will join the event at 2 pm.

Speaking to ANI, Radharamn Das said, "Digha Jagannath Yatra is inspired by Puri Rath Yatra. Here too, the chariots of the deities have been made similar to those in Puri. In a few moments, the Lord will come to his chariot, and the Rath Yatra will begin. The Chief Minister will come here at 2 pm."

While at ISCKON Kolkata, Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Goddess Subhadra are being taken to their chariots for the Rath Yatra.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Jai Jagannath! 🙏 It's so heartwarming to see devotees from Ecuador, USA and Bangladesh joining our sacred festival. This shows how Lord Jagannath's love transcends all borders. The Rath Yatra is truly a global celebration of faith now!
R
Rahul S.
While it's great that foreigners are showing interest in our culture, I hope the Odisha government is ensuring proper crowd management. Last year there were reports of stampede risks. Safety should be priority number one during such massive gatherings.
A
Ananya M.
The Ecuadorian devotee's words brought tears to my eyes! 😊 Our culture and spirituality have such universal appeal. This is why we must preserve our traditions while making them accessible to all. More power to ISKCON for spreading Jagannath consciousness worldwide!
V
Vikram J.
Good to see Rath Yatra expanding to Digha too. But nothing beats the original in Puri! The energy there is unmatched. Pro tip for first-timers: go early morning to avoid the worst crowds and experience the divine atmosphere properly.
S
Sneha P.
The Bangladeshi devotee's comment about reviving love for Lord Krishna is so touching. Despite political differences, our shared spiritual heritage continues to unite people across borders. More such cultural exchanges please!
K
Karan D.
Hope the authorities are maintaining the sanctity of the event. Sometimes commercialization creeps in during such festivals. The focus should remain on devotion, not turning it into just another tourist attraction.

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