Slough, UK: More than 1,000 devotees gathered in Slough, United Kingdom, to take part in a vibrant celebration of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most revered festivals in the Hindu Vaishnav tradition. The event was organised by the Shree Jagannatha Society UK and witnessed the participation of India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Sujit Ghosh.
In a key spiritual highlight of the day, Sujit Ghosh performed the traditional ‘Chhera Paharna’ ritual, a symbolic act of humility where the chariot path is ceremonially swept in front of the deity. The gesture reflects the principle of equality before God, irrespective of social standing or status.
The Indian High Commission in London posted on X (formerly Twitter),
“DHC @sujitjoyghosh participated in the Grand Ratha Yatra in Slough, organised by @JagannathaUK. He performed the sacred Chhera Paharna ritual. Over 1,000 devotees joined the celebrations.”
The Jagannath Rath Yatra—also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra—originates from Puri, Odisha, and marks Lord Jagannath’s annual journey to the Gundicha Temple, representing his visit to his maternal aunt’s home. It is celebrated globally by the Indian diaspora with immense devotion and cultural pride.
🇮🇳 PM Modi’s Greetings:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes on this auspicious occasion via X:
“On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone’s life. Jai Jagannath!”
🛕 Rituals and Traditions:
During Rath Yatra, the three divine siblings—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—are paraded on beautifully decorated wooden chariots and pulled by throngs of chanting devotees. The deities stay for a week at the Gundicha Temple before returning to the Jagannath Temple on July 1, marking the end of the Yatra.
The Slough event mirrored the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of the Puri celebrations with traditional music, devotional chants, and community gatherings. Events like this not only uphold spiritual traditions but also strengthen the cultural bonds of the Indian diaspora in the UK.
As the Rath Yatra concludes in India and abroad, it continues to symbolize divine outreach, unity, and the timeless spirit of devotion and humility.