Bhubaneswar: Rath Yatra celebrations unfolded at the KIIT Jagannath Temple in Bhubaneswar on Friday, one moving image stood out — the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, pulled entirely by women. Draped in colourful sarees and united in faith, women of all ages led the sacred procession with pride, making it a powerful symbol of inclusion, spirituality, and empowerment.
A Tradition Rooted in Respect Since 2007
Unlike many temples where all three deities share a single chariot, KIIT strictly follows the rituals of the Puri Jagannath Temple — with three separate chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. However, since 2007, KIIT has established a unique tradition: only women pull the chariot of Goddess Subhadra.
“This ritual started with the idea that Subhadra’s Rath should be pulled exclusively by women — as a mark of devotion and reverence for feminine strength,” said Dandapani Moharana, the temple’s chief carpenter.
Chariots Crafted with Devotion and Precision
The majestic chariots — towering at 23 feet 6 inches (Jagannath), 23 feet (Balabhadra), and 22 feet 9 inches (Subhadra) — are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans from Buguda village in Ganjam district. Construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya and is completed just ahead of Rath Yatra, preserving traditional techniques.
Spiritual Equality at the Heart of KIIT’s Festival
Chief Priest Santosh Kumar Satpathy emphasized the spirit of inclusiveness: “All devotees are welcome to pull the chariots, but it is the women who lead with unmatched enthusiasm, especially for Subhadra’s Rath. That has become our tradition and pride.”
Since its inception in 2007, Rath Yatra at Sribani Kshetra (KIIT Jagannath Temple) has become a major event, drawing students, faculty, locals, and devotees from across Bhubaneswar. The procession covers nearly one kilometre from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, constructed in 2020 near Infocity Police Station.
A Celebration of Faith, Femininity, and Togetherness
Women from surrounding villages like Pathargadia participate joyfully, finding spiritual fulfilment in the experience. “It’s an honour to pull the goddess’s chariot,” said Shakuntala Behera. “It fills us with strength and joy.”
Laxmipriya Mohanty, who has been part of the tradition for three years, shared, “There is peace in holding that rope. It connects you with the divine in ways that go beyond words.”
Symbolism Beyond Rituals
While grounded in tradition, the all-women participation in pulling Devi Subhadra’s Rath reflects a progressive blend of devotion and empowerment. The act has become a celebration of faith without exclusion, and ritual without rigidity.
“This is not about breaking tradition — it’s about honouring it in a way that uplifts everyone,” said the Chief Priest.
As chants echoed and flower petals fell, the Rath Yatra at KIIT unfolded not just as a religious event, but as a living testament to harmony, equality, and collective devotion — led by women whose strength continues to inspire and uplift this sacred tradition.
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