By the immense grace of Sri Swamiji, Sri Jagannath Parivar, and Sri Premikavaradha Thakurji, Atlanta Namadwaar joyfully celebrated the auspicious Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 1, 2025, at Cauley Creek Park in the city of Johns Creek.
Devotees came together in great devotion to assemble and beautifully decorate the grand, towering Rath, creating a vibrant and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The divine Jagannath Parivar arrived adorned in resplendent attire, with their garments and jewelry gleaming brilliantly, adding to the sacred splendor of the occasion. Their arrival was welcomed with enthusiastic chants of “Jai Jagannath” and the Maha Mantra, filling the air with energy and devotion.
The Rath Yatra commenced at 10 AM with a pooja performed by Sri Lakshman ji, a priest from Sri Hanuman Mandir, Alpharetta.
Devotees, dressed in colorful and traditional Indian attire, added a festive charm to the celebration. In a beautiful act of service, they took turns sweeping the path of the Rath, clearing away dirt and stones. With hearts full of joy, they danced, pulled the Rath, and chanted the Mahamantra with great enthusiasm. People of all ages—from young children to elders—participated wholeheartedly, experiencing the bliss of devotion. For the devotees, it was a deeply spiritual moment, while for onlookers, it was a captivating and joyous spectacle.
The Rath, carrying the divine trio, gracefully circled the venue before arriving at the decorated canopy, where the Chappan Bhog offering had been lovingly arranged by the devotees.
The Chappan Bhog featured an elaborate array of delicacies, fruits, and nuts, all prepared with devotion. Offerings included traditional favorites such as Jagannath Khajja, rasagullas, laddoos, and a delightful variety of rice dishes and snacks. After the offering, the event sponsors and esteemed chief guests were honored as a gesture of gratitude and reverence. The chief guests included
Sri Himanshu Karnwal – Georgia Regional Transportation Board Director
Sri Bob Erramilli – City Councilmen, Johnscreek GA
Mr. Kandhaswamy Raju Consul (Consular & Visa) & Community AffairsVisa,
Miscellaneous services Indian Consulate, GA
Dr Syamala D. Erramilli – AAPI Board of Trustee
By the boundless grace of Sri Swamiji, Sri Jagannath Parivar, and Sri Thakurji, over 200 guests participated in the celebration. All were served a festive meal that included the sacred prasadam from the Chappan Bhog. The devotees joyfully relished the delicious prasadam, savoring both its taste and the divine blessings it carried.
With hearts full of devotion and bellies filled with the blessed prasadam, the devotees departed with joy and gratitude, carrying with them the divine memories of a truly blissful and spiritually enriching celebration.
