The first time I saw Lord Jagannath was when I first came to know of Odissi dance through a video in 1996. I had only a feeble idea until then about this form of the power we call God. When I saw this dark silhouette with eyes full of impact being worshipped by the dancer with an emotional authority over the Lord, I was stunned. The next moment I felt I knew Lord Jagannath forever.

For me, the definition of Lord Jagannath cannot be restricted to Hinduism. He is a symbol of the manifestation of the entire universe. He is everything that the world has. Just look at the colours of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Shubadhra and Lord Balabhadra. I feel that every element on their body represents something divine and some major process of the existence of life. I’m sure like me, everyone, who has ever seen them, has perceived a conversation with the divine.

I am fortunate that the three Lords accepted me as a devotee. Orissa is beautiful, because of these almighty siblings, I guess. I feel peace in front of Lord Jagannath and I have total trust in Him. I can say without thinking twice that Lord Jagannath is one of my favourite Gods. And we are all privileged that the Lords come out to meet us during rath yatra.

Even if I am not able to go inside, I occasionally see the Puri Jagannath temple from outside. I feel the energy there and I literally get blessings after that. Is it a coincidence? Well, I can say that divinity is beyond rational reasoning. Every time I pay a visit, my problems get resolved and I surely get success in my field.

As an artist, it is most important to be spiritual. Else one cannot become the mediator for Gods. And until you feel the wave of emotions, that a follower of Lord Jagannath feels, expressions during a performance on the stage remain limited to mere acting. But once you feel a divine presence with you during the performance, everything just happens naturally.

Having visited Puri during rath yatra, about which I had only heard since 1997, I know that the divine consciousness expands itself for the entire sea of crowd. It reminds me of a similar festival in Japan wherein we also carry a chariot. This Orissa festival is really sweet with the rituals involved like the Lord visiting His aunt’s place.

Though it is not possible to visit Puri during rath yatra every year, I make sure that I watch the proceedings on television. I watch it with close friends and all of us get ecstatic to see the joy of the devotees who are there in person.

Probably, the only thing that should be changed about the festival is the arrangements. In terms of infrastructure, accommodation, traffic, health and hygiene, I personally feel much more could be done to make this gigantic event draw even more tourists from all over the globe.

Of course, one look at the charming face of Lord Jagannath erases all these worldly worries.