Latest news with #OdiaSamajAssociationofNigeria
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Bahuda Yatra unites over 1,000 devotees in Nigeria's Lagos
1 2 Rourkela: Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN) celebrated the Bahuda Yatra — the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — with great fervour on Saturday, drawing over 1,000 devotees to the vibrant event in Lagos. The festival saw the deities ceremoniously return to the Lord Jagannath temple, built in Lagos in 2017 as a replica of the iconic Puri shrine. The event was marked by devotional songs and authentic Odia cuisine, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere for devotees far from home. The consulate general of India to Nigeria, Chandramouli Kern, and the head of chancery, N Mahesh, were among the dignitaries who joined the celebration. "The Lord Jagannath temple in Lagos is a shining example of the cultural exchange between India and Nigeria. We are proud to see it thriving as a spiritual hub for the community," Kern said. Prasant Das, President of OSAN, called the Bahuda Yatra an important symbol of unity for the diaspora. "This festival brings our community together and strengthens our bond. We are grateful to the consulate and dignitaries for their presence and support," Das told TOI. Shivkumar, president of the India Cultural Association, described the event as a moment of pride. "We thank the Odia Samaj for celebrating this great festival here, giving us an opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath." Temple trustees Ramesh Biswal (Hindu Mandir Foundation) and Ashok Nayak (OSAN) expressed gratitude to the devotees for their enthusiastic participation, which they said filled the event with "high positive vibrations." OSAN had earlier celebrated the Rath Yatra on June 27.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rath Yatra celebrated in Nigeria, Malawi
1 2 3 Rourkela: Lagos in Nigeria and Blantyre in Malawi witnessed vibrant Rath Yatra celebrations on June 27 and 28 respectively, bringing together the Odia diaspora and other Indian communities in Africa. In Lagos, the festival was organised by Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN), drawing over 1,000 devotees who pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannath through the city streets amid singing of devotional songs and traditional dances. As part of the festival, prasad prepared by samaj members was distributed to devotees. "The festival brought our community together and strengthened our bond. We are grateful to everyone who participated and made it a grand success," said Prasant Das, president of OSAN. Vice-president Anant Sabat added, "We are committed to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage." In Blantyre, the chariot procession was organised by Odia Samaj Malawi in collaboration with Iskcon Blantyre and supported by the local Indian community. Starting at Old Town Hall, devotees in colourful attire chanted bhajans and pulled a decorated chariot accompanied by the sounds of conches, drums and devotional music. The yatra concluded at Shree Hindu Temple, where deities were welcomed with traditional dances and devotional songs, followed by a cultural programme featuring classical performances, songs and skits celebrating India's spiritual heritage. Around 800 devotees received prasad prepared by samaj members. "The celebration served not just as a religious event but also as a vibrant expression of Indian culture in Africa," said Akshaya Kumar Badajena, chairperson of Odia Samaj Malawi told TOI. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nigeria's Laos to host Rath Yatra
Rourkela: The Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN) will celebrate Rath Yatra on June 27 at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Illupeju, Lagos. "The Rath Yatra celebration in Lagos reflects the Odia community's commitment to preserving its cultural traditions and values. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With over 1,000 devotees expected to attend, the festival promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, filled with music, dance, and spiritual fervour," said Prasant Das, President of OSAN. Following the Rath Yatra on June 27, OSAN will mark Bahuda Yatra on July 5, which symbolises Lord Jagannath's return to the main temple. This festival is an integral part of the Rath Yatra celebration and is eagerly awaited by devotees. "I invite all devotees to participate in the Rath Yatra celebration in Lagos and receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath. We look forward to a grand celebration that will bring the community together in a spirit of devotion and joy," added Das. Rath Yatra is a revered festival that commemorates Lord Jagannath's sacred journey to Gundicha Temple, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is a celebration of devotion, community, and cultural heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Odias in Nigeria celebrate Raja
1 2 3 4 5 6 Rourkela: Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN) celebrated Raja with great enthusiasm on Sunday in Lagos's Ilupeju area, with Indian consul general Chandramouli Kumar Kern as chief guest. Around 250 families from the 350-strong Odia community gathered for the celebrations, showcasing their cultural heritage through games, food, and festivities. Young women and girls, dressed in new attire, participated in henna application, swing rides, and games. The event featured an array of homemade Odia delicacies like poda pitha, arisha, kakara, enduri, and chakuli, accompanied by Raja mitha pana. "OSAN is committed to promoting Shree Jagannatha Sanskriti among both Indian communities and African citizens," said Satya Narayan Patra, general secretary of OSAN. He highlighted the organisation's achievement in constructing a temple for Chaturdha Murty in 2017, which now serves as a cultural centre with a permanent priest conducting daily rituals. The celebration was organised under the leadership of OSAN president Prasanta Kumar Das, vice-president Anant Kumar Sabat, and cultural secretary Biswaranjan Ray. OSAN celebrated Snana Purnima on June 11 and is now preparing for Rath Yatra on June 27 and Bahuda Yatra on July 5. The organisation has been organizing Rath Yatra since 2005, maintaining a strong connection with their cultural roots in Nigeria.
