Our shared cultural heritage, sense of humanism, and sense of belonging are the only things that unite us all. a culture that moulds our identities, values, and worldview. Our Indian culture has long been characterised by its customs, holidays, epics, and symbols. But in order for us to survive in a world where everything is interconnected, it is crucial that we preserve and celebrate our Indianness. These cultural customs offer a crucial connection to their past and a reassuring reminder of their origins in strange places, particularly for individuals who are far from the country of their ancestors.
In particular, festivals are colourful depictions of custom, identity, and communal life. These festivities are more than just rituals for the Indian diaspora, who are dispersed throughout the world, as they also represent the preservation and appreciation of cultural legacies. They also act as a lighthouse, beckoning people to discover the depths of Indian culture. The Indian diaspora brings their history to life through dance, music, and festive cuisines, celebrating their individuality and adding to the multicultural mosaic of their adopted homes. The Rath Yatra is unique among the many festivals we celebrate because of its grandeur, historical significance, and deep devotion among the populace.
Every year, in Puri, Odisha, there is a major Hindu festival called the Rath Yatra, or Chariot festival, which is held in honour of Lord Jagannath. During this magnificent festival, the deities Jagannath (a form of Krishna), Balabhadra (his elder brother), and Subhadra (his sister) are taken in a grand procession out of their temple and placed in their garden shrine, called Gundicha Temple, where they will remain for a week. Three massive, ornately decorated chariots pulling thousands of devotees complete the journey.
