Kankana Sikhari witnesses unique Rath Yatra on the waters of Chilika Lake
In Odisha’s Khordha district, a centuries-old tradition comes alive on the serene waters of Chilika Lake during Rath Yatra. At Kankan Shikhari, a picturesque islet nestled in the lake, the revered deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra embark on a majestic journey, defying conventional norms. Here, the Rath Yatra takes on a breath-taking form – a waterborne procession like no other. Yes, while almost everywhere Rath Yatra is executed on land, here at Kankana Sikhari in Odisha’s Khordha district the Rath Yatra is organised on the water of Chilika Lake.
On the Rath Yatra day every year, the tranquil atmosphere of the Chilika Lake at Kankana Sikhari is filled with the sweet sounds of mridangam, bells, and the chanting of ‘Haribol’. The air vibrates with devotion as the three Thakurs ride on a beautifully decorated chariot made of a boat, gliding across the blue waters of Chilika. The chariot, adorned with intricate designs and colors, is a sight to behold as it circumambulates the Kankan Shikhari islet.
This unique Rath Yatra has its roots in history. In 1731, when Muslim ruler Taqi Khan invaded Puri’s Srimandira, Lord Jagannath was secretly hidden here in Kankan Shikhari, a place surrounded by dense forests and the Kankan islet. The deity was offered Kankan fruits, which grew abundantly in the area, and since then, this ‘Kuda’ (islet) has been known as Kankan Shikhari. The rituals of Lord Jagannath have been happening here for centuries, and the waterborne Rath Yatra is a testament to the enduring legacy of this sacred place.
As the Rath Yatra begins, a number of devotees gather on the shores, their faces filled with joy and devotion. Free boats have been arranged to ferry devotees from Nairi Ghat to Kankan Shikhari, ensuring that everyone can witness this unique Rath Yatra. The local police administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all.
The Kankan Shikhri Trust has also made elaborate arrangements for the devotees, including the distribution of prasad. As the Chaturdhamurti is taken to the Gundicha Temple after circumambulating the island, the atmosphere is filled with an air of celebration and reverence.
