London gets feel of Bahuda Yatra celebrations

For the first time, the grand Bahuda Yatra marked the culmination of nine days of Rath Yatra in London. Organised by the Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK) at Shri Ram Mandir, Southall, around 400 Jagannath devotees from across the UK and Europe participated in this historic celebration.

Sacred Rituals

The Bahuda Yatra rituals began with a "havan" by priests followed by "ratha pratishtha" (consecration of the chariot). Thereafter, the "chaturdha murti snana" or ritual bathing of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra was performed and "khechudi bhoga" was offered to them.

This was followed by "pahandi" or the procession in which the deities were carried to their chariot by ecstatic devotees, swaying and dancing to the beats of cymbals and blowing of conches, which enthralled the onlookers.

Chhera Pahanra Ritual

The Chhera Pahanra ritual, where the chariot was ceremonially swept by a golden broom, was performed by Virendra Sharma, Member of the House of Commons from Ealing-Southall, Umesh Sharma, Chairperson of Shri Ram Mandir Southall, and Loknath Mishra, Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank UK PLC.

Maha Prasad Seva in Puri

Besides celebrating Ratha Yatra in London, SJSUK also performed Jagannatha Seva at Purushottama Kshetra Puri during these auspicious nine days. Recognising the difficulty devotees have in braving the hot sun, Shree Jagannatha Society UK and Mohanji Foundation joined hands with Ammucare India and Chhattisa Nijog, Puri to distribute free Maha Prasad and mineral water bottles to pilgrims in Puri.

"SJSUK is committed to constructing a grand Jagannatha Mandir London. Despite living in a foreign land, far away from India, SJSUK has tried to adhere to all the traditions of Lord Jagannatha, with the support of priests from Sri Jagannatha Mandir Puri."