FREMONT, CA—The Odia community in the San Francisco Bay Area gathered enthusiastically on the afternoon of July 6 to celebrate the annual Sri Jagannath Paribar Ratha Jatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, at the Niles, Fremont Asthalakshmi temple premises.
Organized by the Jagannath Cultural and Educational Center (JCEC), the event saw over 1,100 devotees participate in the vibrant festivities.
- The event kicked off with Vedic mantras chanted by the temple priest.
- A captivating kirtan followed, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
- Traditional Ratha Yatra with deities Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Maa Subhadra.
In its fourth year, the JCEC’s Ratha Jatra was a stunning display of Odia culture, featuring Odissi dance, live music, and devotional songs. Despite the heat wave, the spirit of celebration remained high, with musicians and artists from India and local singers performing devotional bhajans.
The chariot, meticulously decorated by JCEC volunteers with traditional architecture and “pattachitra” artworks, was a highlight of the event.
Prominent city leaders and dignitaries from the Indian community attended the celebration, including Assemblymember Alex Lee, Fremont Council Member and Past Vice Mayor Dr. Raj Salwan, and several other notable figures.
Their presence added to the significance of the event and demonstrated strong community support.
The JCEC is dedicated to promoting Jagannath culture and supporting philanthropic activities. They organize fundraising events, food, and clothing drives for Bay Area shelters, and provide hot lunches to devotees and underprivileged children.
Looking forward, the JCEC plans to build a community center for the Odia community in Pleasanton, having already acquired land for this purpose.
"We aim to create a space that brings our community together and preserves our rich cultural heritage," said a JCEC spokesperson.
The annual Sri Jagannath Paribar Ratha Jatra in Fremont was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Odia community.
The event not only brought joy to the participants but also highlighted the JCEC’s commitment to cultural preservation and community support. With future plans for a dedicated community center, the JCEC continues to strengthen the Indian and South Asian communities in the US.