'Joyful' Hindu chariot festival brings hundreds to Maidenhead park celebration

One of the largest chariot festivals in Hinduism was observed with a special ceremony in Kidwells Park at the weekend.

Jagannath Rath Yatra, a festival originating from the Indian state of Orissa saw hundreds of Hindu residents from around the borough join in celebrations.

The festival was marked with an ‘extravagant celebration’ organised by the community group, The Sanatan Parivar (TSP) and supported by Shree Jagannath Society UK on Sunday (July 14).

Festivities kicked off at Maidenhead Community Centre with a puja (prayers) for Lord Jagannath by an all-female prayer committee.

Then, a colourful chariot for Lord Jagannath was pulled around Kidwells Park by devotees of all ages wearing traditional dresses.

They danced and sang the praise of Lord Krishna along with drums, musical instruments and conches, to create a 'spiritual atmosphere'.

Deputy mayor Mandy Brar inaugurated the Rath Yatra by performing a ceremonial sweeping ritual and said: “We were really made welcome by organisers and thoroughly enjoyed the event.”

Ward councillor Jack Douglas, who attended with Cllr Gurch Singh, added: “It is an honour to attend and we are delighted to experience a very warm welcome, and a fascinating glimpse into the culture and life of the Hindu community in Maidenhead.

“We are very hopeful that the Chariot Festival will be an annual event in Maidenhead Community Centre and Kidwells Park and an opportunity for all communities to join the celebration”.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is typically observed in June or July according to the Hindu calendar, and deities are brought to the chariot in a ceremony called ‘Pahandi’ by a community leader – one being Mahendra Mistry from the community group, Aumkaar Parivar Shakha Maidenhead HSS. 

A group of children also made recycled wristbands for devotees by reusing old cardboard boxes while the event's interior decorations used reusable and natural products.

TSP trustee Vanita Dutta said: "We are particularly proud of our young people who are volunteering and supporting other community groups and initiatives servicing the wider Maidenhead community following our key principle of ‘seva’ service to others."

Organisers said the event was well-managed by a volunteer team who ‘selflessly’ worked to ensure the festival was ‘joyous and safe’.

TSP volunteer Madhulika Karthik said it was a ‘homely’ atmosphere and a ‘truly joyful occasion’ with devotees coming together for a common cause.

She added: “The event took place so gracefully that the hall was filled with happiness at the end and we also took care of the earth by our sustainable efforts of bringing our own cutlery and food which instils pride and truly reflects a Sanatani.”

At the end of the Rath Yatra, 56 types of prasad (food blessed by Lord Jagannath) were served to devotees as part of ‘Chappan Bhog’.

Preeti Garg from Maidenhead’s Hindu Society added: "This act of devotion not only strengthens our spiritual connection but also embodies the deep reverence and cultural heritage."