Non-Hindus Take Part in Odisha Rath Yatra

July 4, 2008

Author: Kalinga Times

Source: Manoj Kar

http://www.kalingatimes.com/orissa_news/news3/20080704-Non-Hindus-take-part-in-Odisha-Rath-Yatra.htm#

In a show of communal amity, non-Hindus joined hands with Hindu devotees to observe the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Paradip Port town on Friday.

Car festival of the Lord got off to a colourful start here with religious fervour. But the major highlight of the annual festival is that Muslims and Christians rubbed shoulders with Hindus to pull the strings of the chariot.

The bustling port town lays claim to fame for tolerant religious practices among adherents of divergent religions. The Rath Yatra bears testimony to the communal amity prevailing in this region, quipped Baishnab Mohanty, a trustee member of local Jagannath temple.