An expression of faith at Jigani Jagannath rath yatra in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Jigani, a bustling industrial hub in South Bengaluru, saw a large gathering of devotees on Friday. The Shri Jagannatha Swamy Temple in Madhumitra Layout commenced its 9th annual Rath Yatra. Unlike many temples in the city, this shrine stands as a testament to the collective faith of residents from Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar in the area.

According to Sarada Prasad, a trustee who travelled from Nairobi, Kenya, the temple fulfils the spiritual longing of the common folk who find strength and unity here. A trust was formally registered in August 2024 as the Karnataka Jay Jagannath Seva Samiti, comprising 35 trustees and 40 active volunteers.

Last year’s Rath Yatra witnessed an overwhelming turnout of 40,000 to 50,000 devotees, including Odias, Bengalis, Kannadigas, and other local communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit the event fosters. This year, similar numbers are expected. The 15-year-old temple, which started its Rath Yatra in November 2016, has already purchased a 4,000-square-foot plot at Haragadde, Jigani, towards Anekal Road. Construction for a permanent temple has begun and is projected to be completed within two years, said Prasad.

To ensure a smooth and orderly event, the temple has deployed 100 volunteers, set up barricades for clear entry and exit zones, and arranged separate parking areas for the large influx of devotees. The temple will be open daily from 5:45 am to 9 pm during the yatra. The nine-day procession, which began Friday, will see the Lord adorned in various Dashavatar forms, and the rath will be pulled around the temple by devotees with the help of a rope, with rituals culminating on July 5 when the deity returns to the temple. Prasadam is being distributed throughout the nine days, with ‘khichdi prasadam’ prepared for approximately 20,000 devotees today, he added.