Film-maker Nila Madhab Panda attends rath yatra celebrations in Nashville, US.

They observed the festival on July 9. This year, Panda performed the chera pahara or sweeping the chariot's path. Established in 1992 by the Jagannath Society of America, the temple celebrated the festival just as it does every year with all the rituals and traditions.

"It was an honour for me to carry out the ritual that is considered an extremely significant part of the festival. The feeling of being a part of this festival despite being away from your native place is very nice," said the filmmaker.

Following the traditions of the Puri temple, the bahuda yatra will be held on July 17. A number of cultural programmes are also being conducted as a part of the festival. These include Odissi recitals and screening of a documentary on Lord Jagannath.

There are more than 25 Jagannath shrines across the US and the chariot festival was also organised at those temples.

 

Text: Anwesha Ambaly; Telegraph picture