I could not think of a more colourful and vibrant picture for my Facebook profile or my inner mind.

Seeing the three chariots of the deities roll back to their home was exhilarating. Being at bahuda yatra was a very special experience indeed.

Standing in the crowd at a distance from the cordon set for the chariots, you hardly get a clear view of the deities as the servitors gather on the decks of the cars to perform the rituals.

However, a short glimpse of the Lord satiates your soul.

As a devotee, you get to see various forms of devotion -some dressed up as mythological characters, others holding their earthen lamps for hours and standing in the same posture with eyes fixed on Lord Jagannath's chariot and yet others singing and dancing with no care for the world.

All these images around me helped me connect with the Lord even though the idol is at a distance.

To see so many beautiful things at one place fills you with excitement. I couldn't stop myself from sharing these unbelievable elements from this festival of devotion with friends on my social networking profile.

It was so tempting that I took selfies and pictures with devotees who expressed their love for the deities in their own unique ways.

There was a group distributing chuda ghasa offered to the deities, while several others sprinkled water on the devotees.

There were others who worked out of makeshift kiosks to provide medical aid to those who had turned up for the grand spectacle.

Apart from the scenes on the Grand Road, I also went around the beach. I must say that the administration has done a wonderful job to avoid any mishap.

I personally feel it is unfair to criticise them since I had attended the rath yatra last year and the year before but the crowd is visibly thicker. But the accommodation, parking and the free bus service from Malatipatapur were all of great standards. I had to take the bus and felt the ride was smooth.

Coming back to pulling the chariot, even the rain did not bother much or may be in the frenzy, one does not care about it.

Even chariot pulling today was a thrilling experience and I felt connected to the entire mass of humanity that was present there alongside me.

Taking back the deities to their home where their family members must be eagerly waiting will always remain a memorable moment for me.

(The author is a corporate employee)