The largest Hindu temple of the United States of America hosted the Rath Yatra amidst pomp and gaiety. Situated at the city of Mapple Grove, in the State of Minnesota, the Jagannath templeperformed all the religious rituals under the guidance of head priestMurali Bhatter.
At about 11 am in the morning, the four deities were taken in Pahandiprocession to the aesthetically and colourfully decorated chariot. Theentire atmosphere got reverberated with Haribol and Jai Jagannathutterances.
The devotees blew conch, beat Ghanta, Mardala, Jhanja and Mrudanga.The highlight of the celebration was the Pahandi Bije of GoddessSubhadra which was performed exclusively by women.
Chairman of the temple’s managing body, Hindu Society of Minnesota(HSMN), founder of the temple and renowned scientist Dr SitakanthaDash conducted the traditional service of sweeping on the chariots,called ‘chherapahanra’. Earlier Dr Dash’s wife poetess Kalpana Dashjoined with him on the chariot.
About 1000 devotees participated in the ceremony and had a HolyDarshan of the deities from the chariot.
Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion were, Mapple Grovecity’s Rotary Club president Raj Khankari, president of IndiaAssociation of Minnesota Kiran Bindi, guests from BhubhaneswarPrataprudra Das, Baijayantimala Das and Professor of University ofMinnesota Dr Ramaiha. The entire arrangement was neatly executed andwell managed by HSMN’s chairman Dr Dash and president Pooja Bastodkar.
