Hindu chariot festival returns to Maidenhead park for second celebration

One of the largest chariot festivals in Hinduism was celebrated for the second time in Kidwells Park.

Originating from Odisha, India, the festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra saw more than 200 residents from around the borough join in celebrations.

Community group, The Sanatan Parivar (TSP), organised the event, which began with a storytelling session for families to introduce the legend of Lord Jagannath.

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

Event co-lead Ashwin Shahir said: “Watching families and friends come together in such spiritual celebration fills me with pride.

“From the storytelling to the devotional pulling of the chariot and the shared prasad, the day truly embodied community harmony.”

Narrators initially explained how, according to sacred tradition, Lord Jagannath, considered a form of Lord Vishnu, journeys in a chariot with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra to visit his aunt’s home.

Attendees joined together in chanting devotional hymns and singing the praises of Lord Jagannath, before the festival highlight followed.

An adorned wooden chariot was pulled through Kidwells Park by men, women, and children dressed in colourful traditional attire, to the sound of drums, conch shells, and singing.

Co-lead Supriya Patnayak said: “We’ve grown from our first year, and yet the sacred humility and spirit remain at the heart of our celebration.

“Seeing our Rath Yatra tradition embraced here in Maidenhead was deeply fulfilling - almost like bringing a piece of home to everyone.”

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.

At the end of the Rath Yatra on Sunday, June 29, 56 types of prasad (food blessed by Lord Jagannath) were served to devotees as part of ‘Chappan Bhog’.

Attendees were encouraged to bring their plates and cutlery, in line with The Sanatan Parivar's ongoing commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

Photos by Dhruv Malhotra.