48TH RATH YATRA OF LORD SHRI JAGANNATH AT TYAGRAJ NAGAR New Delhi

Thousands of devotees thronged to Tyagaraj Nagar Shri Jagannath temple, near Safdarjung Bus Terminal in South Delhi to witness the spectacular event of famous Rath Yatra (Car Festival) of Lord Shri Jagannath on 18th July 2015. The three Deities – Shri Jagannath, His elder brother Balabhadra, sister Devi Shubhadra and Sudarshan were taken out in a nicely decorated Chariot (Rath) drawn by the devotees. The Yatra began at 11:30 hours with a ritual called “Pahandi Vije” during which the Deities were taken out of the Shrine one by one being lovingly swang at by the Pandas and the devotees and installed on the Chariot. The atmosphere was ecstatic and electrified with the deafening sound of “Ghanta” in a rhythmic manner and chanting of “Haribol”.

The Pulling of Rath was commanded at 3:30 pm after the special Guest film actor Mr. Sabyasachi Mishra and Renounced Artist Ms. Archita Sahu often prayer and performed rituals on the Rath. Local MLA Shri Madan Lal and local conciliar Smt. Kusum Lata also offered prayer on the Rath. It was rare sight of thousand of devotees  pulling the Rath with excitement and enthusiasm accompanied by drummers and Kirtan parties, denying to the beats of Mridanga and cymbals.

The Holy procession started from the Temple at 3.30 pm and passed through around 3 km long route covering Safdarjung Bus Terminal, Vikas Sadan, INA Market, Delhi Haat via Aurobindo Marg and returned to the Temple. The Temple and the Rath were beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and textile designs of Pipli (Odisha).

Shri K.D. Biswal, Secretary of the temple informed  about the Nabakalebar , which comes after 19 years , when two month of Ashadh in Hindi calendar falls in one year, “Nabakalebara” of the Deities was performed in Puri, but in this Mandir the “Kalebara” of the Deities was refurbished in accordance with the retreads.

The Managing Committee of the Mandir made all arrangement for the comfort of the devotees, Anna Prasad sevan, first aid & Ambulance for emergency situations. Delhi police has made all necessity arrangement and control of traffic duty Rath Yatra procession.  Prominent Cine stars of Odisha Film Archita Sahu and Sabyasachi Mishra also joined the celebration. In the evening , a cultural program was organized in the temple premises  in which both of them entertain the audience. The Cultural progam in the evening was the part of the Nine days celebration of  Rath Yatra  Mahostav, which is organized in the Mandir from 18th Jul to 27th Jul 2015 . Prominent groups of different dance forms  will perform during the Rath Yatra Mahostav.