Puri is not a place. Jagannath is not a name. It has never been a destination for me. Puri is one among the holy pilgrimages for Hindus. I don’t exactly remember since when I have been witnessing the Lord on wheels. Also no idea when and with whom I went to Sri Khetra (Puri ) for the first time. But it’s divine. Though I have stopped pulling the chariots for long now, but I never miss the opportunity to be one among the millions to witness it live on the Bada Danda (Grand Road as it is called).

Witnessing the Rath Yatra (Car Festival) is neither an expedition nor a salvation . It’s beyond words. When the Lord moves on the chariot the vibrations make my body and soul resonate. Was it safe passage to heaven to see Lord on the road! Emotions are varied. Sometimes I drown in the deluge of tear; In the next moment erupts a wave of joy - seeing Jagannath moving before my eyes. Someone rightly said “we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”. I only look at Jagannath. He’s anything and everything for me. In fact to many like me; Jagannath is the epitome of immortality.

Jagannath is a possession for me- a possession for eternity. A friend asked me “why do you visit Puri”? I told him “Jagannath gives me strength, teaches me resilience and brings joy to me”. For me Jagannath Temple is a place which I would love to go over and over again. In fact it’s a mystery why I come rushing to Puri to witness Rath Yatra every year. I don’t know anything about God; or his existence. But I know one thing- There is Jagannath!

Jagannath is a serious seduction, and his devotees like me enjoy their existence in his divine web. Jagannath is not a mild flirtation but an obsession. He has not only influenced me but also moulded me into a liberal human being. Rath Yatra is not just mass involvement; but an emotional movement. The spirituality, colour, the drama, exotic mysticism and exalted devotion all combine to make Jagannath the Lord he is … As Jagannath comes out from the Sanctum Sanctorum in pahandi (procession) to the chariot, me - like millions feel like the long separation is now over. What I cherish the most is to see the people on the street standing for a glimpse of their beloved Lord. Now I have left Puri. Am back to the place where I work, the hub of my daily chores, back to the routine life. But Jagannath is there.. with me by my side.

(The author works with Doordarshan. Views expressed are personal.)