Community spirit shines through at Kolathia temple Rath
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Bhubaneswar: In a spirit of devotion, community participation and a growing global connection, members of Divine Life Society and Jagannath Temple administration at Kolathia are all set to celebrate Rath Yatra on June 27.
With thousands of devotees thronging to pull chariots, the festival has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the area.
With preparations in full swing, the rhythmic sound of tools of artisans, the chants of devotees and vibrant colours of chariots signal the return of a celebration of faith, culture and community spirit.
Ajay Kumar Patnaik, secretary of the organising committee, said coming to the temple every day at 9 am to oversee the daily functioning and rituals is a routine.
"I feel an invisible string that pulls me to the temple every day. The day I fail to visit the temple for some reason, I feel something is missing," Patnaik, a retired judicial officer, said. "Despite challenges, things always fall into place, as if Lord Jagannath himself is orchestrating things.
The divine presence keeps us going year after year," he said.
Teamwork, coordination and unflinching faith have enabled the members to conduct the Rath Yatra smoothly every year.
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"After retirement, I was wondering how my days would pass and what I would do. One day when I came to the temple, the members requested me to manage their accounts. Being part of the temple and involvement in organising the Rath Yatra is like being chosen by Lord Jagannath to serve him directly. The joy, discipline and divinity that the festival brings into our lives cannot be explained; it can only be experienced," said Bidyadhar Jena, treasurer.
A budget of Rs 25 lakh has been earmarked for the celebrations. A significant portion of the funds comes from donations by Odias abroad, reflecting the deep emotional and cultural connection of the diaspora.
Muktikanta Agasti, a retired banker who has been associated with the temple management since it was formed in 2002, said the first Rath Yatra started with 50-60 people.
Swami Siba Chidananda Saraswati, founder of Sibananda Boys' High School and a disciple of Swami Sibananda, recalled the temple's origin.
"Idols crafted for a Jagannath temple in Philadelphia were temporarily worshipped at a spiritual conference in Khandagiri. Afterwards, one of the organisers dreamt of Lord Jagannath questioning His return. Coincidentally, we learned the idols couldn't be shipped due to size issues.
We took it as a divine sign and brought them back to Khandagiri. A temple was built within three months in 2001, and Rath Yatra has been observed ever since," he said, adding that even the selection of the Mausi Ma temple came with a spiritual story. "While meditating and praying for guidance, I found myself unable to move past the Sudharma Ashram. It was clear it was the chosen place," he recounted.
Devotees from surrounding localities, including Ghatikia, Andharua, Aiginia, Satya Sai Enclave, Kalinga Nagar, Kolathia, Khandagiri, Housing Board Colony and Chidananda Vihar, take part in the festivities.
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