The holy city of Puri, the top most tourist destination in Orissa all round the year, changes into an abode of spiritual tourism when it comes to rath yatra. People from across the globe come trotting to the city to get a glimpse of the unique deity — Lord Jagannath, who comes out of his temple to meet devotees irrespective of their caste, religion or nationality. Since the non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple, tourists make most of the opportunity to meet the icon of Orissa.

Bradley Berquist, a US tourist, who frequently comes to Orissa to spend time in Puri and Bhubaneswar during the car festival, feels that as per the narration in the Hindu scriptures, seeing Lord Jagannath atop the chariot helps in removing stress from the mind and body. “I enjoy the crowd and their devotion for the trinity. The confluence of people from all religions during the unique event is also an unparallel occasion in the world,” he says, adding that the energy of the devotees is a rare sight and helps him forget all worldly problems.

German national Swen Helmer feels that the spirit of rath yatra is unique, as it welcomes every participant in a unique Odissi way. The warmth of the local hospitality, unique food and the overall ambience also attract the tourists coming to Puri. “There’s a touch of history in the lifestyle of people here and the setting of rath yatra simply takes you to another world,” he says.

Helmer’s friend Cristian finds Puri a perfect place for a traveller, offering a nice beach and casuarina forests nearby. “It is a beautiful place and the wide beach is one of the best I have been to in the world for the waves are unpredictable and at the same time attractive,” says Cristian. However he says: “The civic authorities, local residents and the state government have to do a lot of homework to keep it clean. I heard that the sewerage and drainage water had been polluting the sea water near a point on the sea front. This should not happen and be stopped immediately.”

Despite complaints regarding hygiene, accommodation or management, visitors do not compromise on their chance to be a part of the grand occasion.

“No matter what, I love to be here to watch the deities and the captivating sight of the giant chariots rolling,” says Berquist.