Festival of equality

Rathajatra, one of the grandest natural festival of Hindus, is celebrated in the month of Ashara (June-July). This is a festival of Lord Jagannath's chariot at Puri, celebrated across the sub-continent and also some other parts of the world by the Hindu Diaspora. I shall discuss the dynamic spirituality and beauty of the central Rathajatra at Puri in India. There are clearly two principal modes of approach towards the Supreme Reality. One through pure Jnana (knowledge) and the other through the purest Bhakti (devotion). The path of knowledge aims at trying to know perfectly the Reality through identity with Him, whereas the approach of devotion leads to the dedicated service of the Supreme Reality. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu can be regarded as the king in the realm of Bhaktas. Truly speaking he was God-sent in the garb of Bhakta. He shines singly with his Achintya-Bhed-Abhed philosophy. Lord Jagannath is also symbol of Bhakti, diversity in unity and identity.

Lord Jagannath is himself the Lord Krishna. Mahaprabhu Shri Chaitanya in his search for Lord Krishna almost ran towards Puri from Shantipur. Six of his closest Parishada's (intimate companions) went with the Mahaprabhu in his journey to Nilachal Shareekshetra. With his Gaudiya devotees, who had arrived for the chariot festival, Mahaprabhu took part in all the festivities and sportive acts. He participated with them to clean up Gundicha temple, witnessed the Netro Utsav, saw the Pandra Bijaya, took part in holy bathing ceremony, danced and sang in the procession moving the chariot, participated in the water sports in the Indradumna tank and in the Narendra Sarovar.

Once a year Lord Jagannath travels to Gundicha temple riding his chariot and stays there for seven days only, then again returns (Ultorath) to His main temple at Puri. The devotees' eyes become thirsty to see again beloved Jagannath and with deep devotion in their eyes dream of the image of Lord Krishna through Jagannath. Proceeding before the chariot, singing and dancing, all the devotees coming from many places chant Namkirtana in praise of Lord Krishna.

The congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Jagannath sweeps the dirt accumulated on the mirror of the heart of devotees and extinguishes their burning fire of worldly suffering. It sheds the cool of moonlight upon there. It is the taste of nectar of divine bliss and thus engulfs the entire self of the devotee. Lord Jagannath is dynamic. He moves. He dances. He loves. He plays on his eternal flute. He grows. He flows forth in exuberance and fullness of perfection. He expands, yet He is always new.

A liberated devotee attains nearness of Him and becomes an eternal partner: "Oh! Lord Jagannath! Lord of the Universe. I have no desire for wealth. All that I desire is that birth after birth, I should have ceaseless devotion for you."

Rathajatra festival of Jagannath is part of the Vaishnava tradition or the cult of 'Bhakti', which received an impetus after the advent of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This tradition attached no importance to the caste system and allowed people of all castesfrom Brahmins to Shudrasto sit and eat together. It was a departure from the orthodox culture. In the Bhakti dispensation, on the other hand, not only all castes but all men and women are treated as equal. It is this tradition of equality of all that is at its best in the festival of chariot of Lord Jagannath.

The Hindu community of Bangladesh will celebrate Rathajatra in a befitting manner today throughout the country. The main programmes of Rathajatra will be held at Dhamrai, Dhaka and at Chittagong. These chariots will move with colorful procession. The Rathajatra will be followed by Ultorath festival to be celebrated seven days after. Rathajatra is also a festival of peace and friendship. It is a celebration of equality protesting all sorts of injustice and inequality. May the shower of divine blessing fall upon all. Rathajatra greetings to all.

Prem Ranjan Dev is president, Bangladesh National Hindu Council.