Devotion
Echoes in the Hills: Sri Sri Jagannath Rathajatra Celebrated at Ramakrishna
Mission, Shillong
Amidst a profound atmosphere of
spiritual ecstasy, the annual Sri Sri Jagannath Rathajatra was
celebrated yesterday at the Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong
campus in Laitumkhrah. The sacred chariot festival drew hundreds of
enthusiastic devotees, filling the tranquil hills with the resonant sounds of
cymbals, conch shells, and ecstatic chants.
The auspicious ceremony commenced
inside the beautifully decorated main prayer hall. At the focal shrine, the
pure white marble idol of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Dev stood flanked by framed
portraits of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Positioned
elegantly within the hall did a meticulously adorned wooden chariot resemble a
mini temple tower, crowned with a red dome, a flag, and the sacred symbol of
'Om'.
Inside the chariot sat the
vibrant, beautifully decorated idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi
Subhadra. Respected monastics of the Ramakrishna Order, dressed in
traditional saffron robes, performed the solemn ritualistic worship and the
wave offering (Arati). Monks and volunteers rhythmically swung a large chamara
(yak-tail fan) before the deities while devotees packed the hall to capacity,
offering their prayers in deep meditation.
Following the indoor rituals, the
festival moved outdoors to the temple courtyard. The colourfully decorated
chariot was brought out through the main gate, which features a traditional
dome structure.
A wave of intense devotion swept
over the gathering as the sacred ropes were unfurled. Men, women, and children
lined up eagerly along the concrete steps and ramps of the campus, waiting for
their chance to pull the chariot. Monks guided the procession through the
courtyard, carefully managing the enthusiastic crowd. Devotees showered the
deities with flower petals and offered fruits, sweetmeats, and incense,
capturing the rare visual delight on their smartphones.
The event truly reflected the
core ethos of the Ramakrishna Mission—unity
and spiritual harmony. Devotees from diverse backgrounds dressed in traditional
attire, including vibrant local sarees, gathered under one roof. The flawless
coordination by the volunteers ensured a peaceful, orderly celebration. The
divine journey concluded safely inside the ashram premises, followed by the
distribution of sanctified Prasad among the attendees
