Rath yatra and the Jagannath culture have put Odisha on the global map. I remember instances during my visits to South Africa and Australia during sporting events. There were Jagannath temples at these places and I went there to seek blessings.

I saw a number of foreigners at the temple and I had also joined them in prayers. The feeling of being with the Lord in an alien country full of unknown people was great. They were enthusiastic about the various traditions associated with rath yatra and were well acquainted with it.

During international events, my colleagues from the sports fraternity often ask me about the Jagannath tradition. I have learnt a lot from my grandmother about them and I share my knowledge. I am proud of this.

During my childhood days in Phulbani, it was an annual ritual to pull the chariot. A fair used to be held at the spot and my grandfather used to give us money to buy chocolates and balloons. Every year we used to look forward to the festival that meant a lot of fun and happy gatherings.

After joining the Bhubaneswar sports hostel, I made sure that the tradition of being a part of rath yatra continued, so I began to take part in the chariot festival hosted by Iskcon. If I am not in the state during the festival, I follow it on television and the Internet. The festival holds a special place in my life.

Unfortunately, I have never been able to be in Puri during rath yatra, but I hope that my wish will be fulfilled someday. At present, I am in dire need of His blessings because that will give me the strength to accomplish my Olympic dreams.

AS TOLD TO ANWESHA AMBALY