After Their sweet stay in Sundrachala (Mayapur) for seven days, Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadradevi went back to Nilachala (Rajapur). This year Ulta Ratha festival in Mayapur was a grand ceremony with many celebrities attending the occasion. Ms.Madhabhi Mukherjee and few silver screen stars of Bengali film industry graced the occasion. HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami spoke on the significance of Ratha Yatra and performing service to the Lord when the Lord is at Sundrachala.
There was a colorful parade of different band groups, dioramas depicting various lilas, girls dancing and three kirtan parties in front of each chariots. Matajis led the kirtan in front of Subhadra’s chariot.

The Lord was brought to the Chariot in Pandu Vijaya ceremony from the temple. On both the sides of the road leading to the temple, stood crowds of people to take darshan of Lord moving gracefully forward and backward to the tune of gongs.

While proceeding to Rajapur, chariots halted at many places for bhoga offering and arthi. When the chariopts took a turn at Bamanoukur area, it started pouring and it was like the demigods showering flower petals on the Lord.

The ectascy was doubled as everyone pulled the chariots with greater speed , allowing themselves to be completely drenched in rain waters. As we reached the Rajapur temple, there was wild roaring rain kirtan going on and everywhere devotes were seen dancing for the harinam. HH Jayapataka Swami arrived at Rajapur by 8.30 p.m., had darshan of the deities and proceeded to Mayapur.

Ratha Yatra 2009