Tourists from Peru and Colombia enjoy rath yatra in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

The decision of not allowing devotees on top of the chariot has been a major heartbreak for foreigner followers of Lord Jagannath.

Much like their Indian counterparts, they raised both their hands in air during pahandi all drenched in devotion, but the dejection was palpable. Mandala Pati (original name Vladislav Petrovsky) from Ukraine termed the recent decision as “very sad news”.

Expressing the anguish of many of his friends who decided to stay at the Iskcon temple, he said: “The decision has struck us like lightning. We are still in shock. It is hard to believe that we have been debarred from touching our Jagannath and his chariot.”

The 34-year-old brahmachari, who has been in India for three years, is learning Sanskrit from a private tutor at present.

Another member of the Iskcon community, William from United Kingdom whose eyes were fixed at the Nandighosha chariot also echoed the sentiments of Pati.

Juan Camilo alias Biswaroop pleaded with the police personnel to let him touch the chariot at least. The pleas of the 25-year-old tattoo artist from Columbia, however, fell on deaf ears.

“Rath yatra is a special occasion. We meet so many people who are equally devoted to the deity Krishna. I am requesting officials to let me touch the chariot and see my God from close,” said the member of global community of Lord Krishna lovers named Vrinda Mission.

It seemed like a pall of gloom had descended upon his friend from Peru, Berenisse alias Rameshwari, who stood next to him.

“We love Jagannath more than most of the people who have gathered here. It is a matter great pain that we are not allowed to see him up, close and personal,” said the 26-year-old student of economics.

For Manjari, born to a couple of Krishna followers, it was a dream come true to be able to witness the rath yatra. She chose to soak in the ambience rather than worrying about not being able to see the Holy Trinity.

“Look at the turnout. It is massive. I have come to the car festival for the very first time. This will remain as one of my most cherished experiences of life,” said the 20-year-old graphic design student from Columbia. She is also learning Odissi dance at Vrindaban.