Sri Vijaya Puram, July 16: Echoing the grand, time-honored traditions of the mainland—most notably the world-famous festival at Puri—the remote town of Diglipur in North Andaman immersed itself in intense spiritual fervor on 16th July as the annual Rathayatra festival commenced with immense joy and devotion. Thousands of devotees from across the region converged to witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, along with His elder brother Lord Balaram and sister Goddess Subhadra.
The festivities began early in the day at the beautifully adorned Sri Sri Radhagobinda Temple. Replicating the sacred mainland custom of Pahandi Bije—the ceremonial, rhythmic swaying movement of the heavy deities out of the sanctum sanctorum—the priests lovingly placed the three siblings onto the grand, decorated chariot amidst the deafening sounds of conch shells, beating drums, and the collective chanting of “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol”.
At around 4.30 p.m., the chariot procession commenced as hundreds of devotees enthusiastically joined in pulling the sacred ropes of the chariot, a ritual regarded as a symbol of devotion and humility. The grand chariot rolled out from the Sri Sri Radhagobinda Temple complex, passing through the main streets of Diglipur amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol”, with devotees participating in large numbers.
During the procession, the chariot passed through the main areas of Diglipur and halted at several temples, including Sri Murugan Temple, Sri Shani Temple, Sri Shiva Temple and Sri Mariyamma Temple. At each stop, devotees offered puja, flowers and traditional delicacies, while Sankirtan (devotional singing and chanting) was performed by the gathering.
By late evening, the vibrant procession reached its final destination for the day, the Sree Sree Dakshina Kali Mandir. The evening air was thick with the scent of camphor and incense as a grand Maha Aarti and special rituals were conducted to welcome the Lord to His temporary abode.
Following the age-old tradition of the mainland where the deities stay at their Maternal Aunt’s Home (Gundicha Temple) for a nine-day sojourn, Lord Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra will now reside at the Sree Sree Dakshina Kali Mandir for seven days. During this time, the temple will host daily spiritual discourses, special bhog distribution, and various cultural programs, allowing local devotees an extended opportunity for darshan.
The grand festival will culminate a week later with the Bahuda Yatra or return journey, when the three deities will board their chariot once again to travel back to the Sri Sri Radhagobinda Temple, marking the completion of a beautifully adapted, mainland-style celebration right here in Diglipur.
Rath Yatra is being organized jointly by Radha Govinda Mandir Committee and Shree Shree Dakshina Kaali Mandir Committee, Diglipur.
