Chariot pulling and 56 traditional dishes
-
Over 1,000 attendees mark the festival with devotional chants, cultural performances, and a spread of Odia delicacies
The Indian community in Dubai came together in vibrant celebration for the 15th annual Ratha Yatra, a festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, drawing over 1,000 participants at Star International School. What began 15 years ago as a modest gathering of Odia expatriates has now blossomed into a significant cultural event, eagerly anticipated by families across the UAE, reported gulfnews.com.
The festival featured the traditional chariot pulling ceremony, devotional chanting, cultural performances by children in classical attire, and the serving of 56 homemade vegetarian dishes, all prepared by more than 100 Odia families in accordance with customs followed in Odisha’s Jagannath Temple. The handcrafted chariot itself was built over 30 days by volunteers using locally sourced materials.
Indian expats in Dubai recreate the spirit of Odisha with a devotional chariot festival, cultural rituals, and a culinary spread reflecting centuries-old temple traditions.
Amiya Mishra, President of Odisha Samaj UAE, expressed how the event goes beyond religious observance. “This festival is our emotional connection to home and heritage. For 15 years now, we’ve been able to recreate a piece of Odisha in the heart of the UAE,” he said.
For Bishrava Hota, a marketing professional from Sharjah, the event is a spiritual reunion. “Every year, Ratha Yatra draws me to Dubai. It’s not just tradition—it’s emotion,” he shared, moved by the sight of the chariot and sounds of collective devotion.
Sailaj Das, a resident of Fujairah, added that the festival feels like a big family gathering. “We speak in our mother tongue, share stories, and savour the food we grew up with. For a few hours, Dubai feels like Puri.”
The celebration also resonated with non-Odia participants like Anamitra Roy from West Bengal, who said, “This is more than a puja—it’s an expression of unity and devotion. I’ve been part of it for years, and it brings people across cultures together.”
The annual Ratha Yatra in Dubai has grown into a symbol of cultural pride and cross-community bonding, giving expatriates a powerful reminder of home and heritage while fostering unity within the Indian diaspora.
