Chariot festival celebrated in US & Canada
Around 3, 500 people participated in the celebrations at Morrisville, North Carolina, hosted by the Shri Jagannath Society of the Triangle Carolinas (SJSTC) in collaboration with Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC).
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Volunteers carried the deities to the chariot custom-built in North Carolina with wood and metal. The embroidered chariot canopy and decorations were sourced directly from Puri. SJSTC member Saroj Rath did the 'chhera pahanra'.
All Puri rituals were followed during the celebrations. A prasad made of 'ghee arna', 'mitha dali', 'ghanta' (mixed vegetable), khajuri-pineapple 'khatta' and 'khiri' was distributed.
"This event is not just a celebration of tradition but a beautiful confluence of devotion, culture and community spirit," said Saurav Choudhury, a member of the organising committee.
The cultural programme included Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi performances, apart from Odia folk songs and bhajan presentations. Dignitaries like senator Jay Chaudhuri and Town of Morrisville mayor T J Cawley were present.
The festival was also organised at the Hindu temple of Rhode Island, Warwick, on Saturday. 'Chhera Pahanra' was performed by Lt Ashok Mohapatra, a member of the community. Around 300 people participated in the celebrations that included chariot pulling and cultural programmes. A prasad cooked by Odia volunteers included rice, dalma, gobi-paneer curry, 'khata', 'khiri', 'rasabali' and 'gulab jamun'.
At the Shree Jagannath Temple, Etobicoke, Toronto, around 1,000 people came together to celebrate the
.
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While volunteers carried the idols during the 'Pahandi' procession, Harihar Behera, convener of the temple, performed 'Chhera Pahanra', after which the chariots were pulled on the streets on Toronto to Bharat Mata Mandir, Brampton. "We paid a fee to police and authorities for the route pass and road clearance," said Sanjay Dalai, a member of the organising committee.
The wooden chariot, covered with Pipili appliqué cover, was a big crowd-puller. "From Puri to Toronto, the Lord's blessings travel across continents, reminding us that no matter where we are, our roots always unite us," said Dalai.
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