Jagannath Rath Yatra 'Festival of Chariots' in Sydney

The initial celebrations were held at ISKCON New Gokula Farm.

Idols of Lord Jagannath along with his (Krishna's) brother Balabhadra, and sister, Subhadra in Sydney Liverpool. / Saraswati Singh

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival was conducted in Sydney with great enthusiasm and joy. Along with the migrants, people from many countries also pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannath on this occasion. Also known as the 'Festival of Chariots', this festival is held annually at the city of Puri, in the state of Odisha, India and associated with the deity Jagannath, a form of Vishnu or Krishna.

This time, it was celebrated on July 7 and 13 in Sydney. The initial celebrations were held at ISKCON New Gokula Farm, which is located 166 kilometers from Sydney. Subsequently, there was a celebration at Bigge Park Liverpool in Sydney on July 13.

Devotees taking part in the Chariot festival in Sydney. / Saraswati Singh

The idols of Balarama, Subhadra, and Jagannath were assembled in the chariot following a comprehensive ritual of worship. Devotees began to pull the chariot as they chanted Jai Jagannath and Har Krishna Hare Ram. With boundless energy, the Bhajan group from the ISKCON temple sang the Lord's name. As if they were the Gopis of Vrindavan, women dressed traditionally in Indian garments danced before the chariot.

Women dancing in traditional costumes. / Saraswati Singh

The significance of Jagannath Bhagwan Rath Yatra is elucidated in the Skanda Purana, which states that a devotee who travels to Gundicha Temple, a temple few miles away from the main Jagganth temple in Puri, and chants the temple's name is liberated from the cycle of rebirth.

It is believed that the act of pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath will bring good fortune and virtue to the individual. There was a competition among the devotees to serve the Lord. As the chariot was drawn by a few, the route ahead was swept by even more devotees.

There were special arrangements for children at New Gokula Farm. The dolls depicting Krishna, Balram, and Subhadra were a huge hit with the children. Children adorned the image of Lord Jagannath with their preferred colors.

Children playing with dolls of Krishna and coloring Lord Jagganath's images. / Saraswati Singh

Meanwhile, at Bigge Park Liverpool Sydney, a cultural program was conducted prior to the commencement of the Rath Yatra. This program featured traditional dances performed by dancers from various dance academies.

Amrita Pal Chaudhary from Kalankan Dance Academy said, "It is always a blessing to be a part of this chariot festival of Jagannath. I come every year to perform. It's a whole day festival. It's a lovely one at Liverpool, and they have been doing it for ages. Imbibing that culture in us far away from our motherland is a very big thing. Thanks to Sydney every year for bringing this festival up and doing it on a grand scale."