Odia community gears up to host first Rath Yatra in Australia, Odisha govt sanctions initial grant of Rs 51,000

Bhubaneswar: Odia community has geared up to host the world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Australia’s Sydney this year. A group of representatives of Odias living in Australia today met Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj today and gave a proposal in this regard.

During his meeting with the representatives of Odia community, Suryabanshi Suraj expressed his happiness over their proposal and sanctioned an initial grant of Rs 51,000 to conduct the first Rath Yatra in Australia successfully.

While speaking to the newsmen, the Minster said, “In fact, it is a matter of great pride for all of us that over 5,000 Odia families who are living in Australia have decided to host the Rath Yatra this year on the same day and same manner as held in Puri in order to further promote the Jagannath culture. The chariot, of 20 feet in length with a diameter of 50 feet, will be bedecked with the iconic Pipili Chandua. Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak is making all arrangements to help the Pipili Chandua reach there on time, so that it can be used.

“The discussion also witnessed participation from Ashrit Pattanayak, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pipili, alongside enthusiastic members of the Odia diaspora,” he added.

Notably, the car festival this year will be held on June 27 and the Bahuda on July 4.