Lord Jagannatha Rath yatra celebrated in Australia

Lord Jagannatha Rath yatra was celebrated in many cities in Australia including Canberra and Sydney. In Canberra it was celebrated on Sunday 25 June 2017 coinciding with the actual date of Lord Jagannatha Ratha Jatra at Sri Kshetra, Puri Dhama in Odisha, India while in Sydney it was organised on July 1st, Saturday.

Rath Yatra in Liverpool Source: Vivek Asri/SBS

In the capital city of Canberra, the festival was organised by the Florey Hindu Temple with the support of ORIOZ Inc, Hindu Council of Australia, and all the local communities. In Sydney, the festival of Chariots was organised by the Liverpool council and Iskon with the support of local communities.

Source: Supplied

Decorated chariots of Lord Jagannatha, with His sister Subhadra Devi and brother Balabhadra Swami were rolled down from the temple to the main streets in Florey and Liverpool with Harinaam sankirtana. The one-hour of the holy walk with the Lords was followed by bhajans and Maha Prasada distribution.

Source: Supplied

In Canberra, the Lords will stay in the temple for nine days until Bahuda Yatra on 4th July. Regular Bhajan samaroh will be held in the temple during these nine days.

Source: Vivek Asri/SBS

Many politicians and other dignitaries were present at Liverpool. High Commissioner of Fiji, His Excellency Mr Yogesh Punja, Minister of Multiculturalism in NSW Government Mr Ray Williams and mayor of Liverpool Ms Wendy Waller pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannatha, with His sister Subhadra Devi and brother Balabhadra Swami.