I was born on the day of Janmashtami and since there has always been a connection between Krishna and Jagannath, I consider myself very lucky.

I have been living in Mumbai since the past few years far away from my friend and family members and the connection that I have built with him have helped me overcome hurdles and get past difficult times.

Honestly speaking, I share a very emotional bonding with the Lord. I make it a point to visit the Puri temple whenever I am in the state. Such is the connection that the moment I see his face, tears roll down my eyes. The sentiments attached cannot be expressed in words, but can only be felt.

For me, people coming together from across the world and celebrating a deity that is pious for so many people has been a very fascinating idea for me. I am claustrophobic by nature so I avoid going to Puri on the day of rath yatra, but I catch up every moment on television.

During one of the chariot festivals, I lost a close relative of mine due to stampede so that fear has always been there. But, there is no match to the infinite faith that lakhs of people have in him and turn up at Puri every year. The moment when the Trinity is brought out of the temple is a sight not to be missed.

Every ritual associated with this festival was unique, especially the sweeping of the chariots by the king and the beautiful tahiya that the idols adorn. But, for me the ritual of the Trinity falling sick after taking bath with 108 pots of cold water and going into anasara is really exciting.

Somehow, I find it a very sweet because it brings the Lord closer to his people. It makes us feel that he is one amongst us.

For me, music is one of the biggest ways to connect with the Lord. Last year, a few of my friends recreated the cult Odia bhajan " Aahe Neela Saila" dedicated to Lord Jagannath in a music video that drew a lot of attention.

I feel really proud that I got a chance to lend my voice to the songs.

This song is one of the most celebrated forms of devotional expression and every Odia have heard it and sang it on many occasions. We wanted to present it in a different manner to enhance its reach.

Salabeg, a Muslim devotee of the Lord, had written the song, and our idea of the video was to promote the culture of the state with a contemporary touch. Apart from having a spiritual substance, the song is very important as it gives out an important message that devotion to god knows no religion.

The fact that the Supreme Court recently directed the temple administration to consider allowing non-Hindus inside the temple is a huge step itself.

The Lord's aura has no boundaries and we human beings should not keep any either.

It is very important that the upcoming generations are aware of Jagannath culture and as an artiste it is our duty to take it to as many people as we can through various media.

The writer is an eminent singer based in Mumbai