Ratha Yatra

Amidst the sweltering heat,

devotees gather to celebrate,

surrounding the towed chariots,

for a glimpse, of the divine lord.

" Haribol" evoking the chant,

they welcome lord for the world,

with the rituals of pahandi,

beating ghanta, telingi baja & kahali.

Even the kings come to clean,

the wooden platform, with a broom,

before sibling deities were brought,

and placed within the chariots.

And the ropes were being pulled,

signalling the start of the procession,

blowing conch shells, singing praises,

accompanied by traditional Odissi dance.

In the festivity, everyone was immersed,

devotees throng to witness the journey,

many bows, showing their devotions,

coming closer, to pull or touch chariot.

Ratha Yatra...

The journey of Lord Jagannath, 

with lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra,

a visit to their aunt, Mausi Maa temple,

it's a symbol, of faith and relationship.

For, here, the lines were blurred,

as deities follow human traditions,

connecting deeper, like a familiar bond,

it's indeed a divine tradition.