Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

For many, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a celebration of devotion. Yet beneath its spiritual grandeur lies another story, one of shared traditions, cultural continuity and the quiet participation of communities beyond the boundaries of faith. Among those who contribute to the festival every year are Muslim artisans, craftsmen and families whose association with Lord Jagannath stretches back generations.

Their presence reflects a simple truth: the Jagannath tradition has long been woven not only from mythology and ritual but also from the collective labour and faith of an entire community.

Unlike most Hindu temples, where devotees travel to seek the deity's blessings, Jagannath is believed to leave his sanctum once every year to visit his devotees. The annual Rath Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannath's journey with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be the home of their aunt. For nine days, the deities remain there before returning in the equally celebrated Bahuda Yatra.

 

 

 

 

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The procession is also symbolic of inclusivity. During the Rath Yatra, the deities become accessible to everyone, including those who cannot enter the Jagannath Temple because of long-standing entry restrictions. As the chariots move through Puri's Grand Road, people from every background offer prayers from the streets.

The Jagannath tradition is steeped in folklore that has evolved over centuries.

One popular legend traces the origins of Lord Jagannath to the tribal deity Nilamadhava, worshipped secretly by the Sabara community. King Indradyumna, upon hearing of the mysterious deity, searched tirelessly until divine intervention led him to establish the Jagannath Temple. This legend is often interpreted as a symbol of the blending of tribal and mainstream Hindu traditions.

Another beloved story revolves around Krishna's final moments. According to tradition, after Lord Krishna departed from the earthly world, his heart—or the divine essence known as Brahma Padartha—was preserved within the wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. This sacred mystery continues to shape one of Hinduism's most unique traditions.

Every twelve to nineteen years, during the ritual known as Nabakalebara, the wooden idols are replaced with new ones carved from specially selected neem trees. The secret transfer of the divine essence from the old idols to the new remains one of the most sacred and closely guarded ceremonies in Indian religious practice.

 

 

 

 

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While the festival is rooted in Hindu belief, its preparation has never been confined to one community.

Among the most remarkable examples is the centuries-old association of Muslim families involved in making parts of the Rath Yatra. In Odisha, several Muslim artisans have inherited the responsibility of crafting decorative elements for the chariots, including intricate pattachitra-inspired artwork, appliqué canopies, and traditional textiles used during the festival.

In Puri and nearby Pipili, Muslim craftsmen have worked alongside Hindu artisans for generations, producing the colourful fabric decorations that transform the giant wooden chariots into moving works of art. These skills have been passed down within families, becoming both a livelihood and a matter of pride.

Another enduring tradition involves Muslim musicians and workers who assist in different aspects of the festival, from preparing ceremonial materials to participating in cultural performances associated with the Yatra. Many artisans describe Lord Jagannath simply as the deity of the people, a tradition that has sustained their families for generations.

The word Jagannath literally means "Lord of the Universe."

The festival's enduring message lies not only in the movement of three giant chariots but also in the movement of people towards one another.

 

 

 

 

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At a time when differences are often magnified, the Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to offer a quieter lesson. It reminds us that great traditions survive because they are nurtured by many hands. Hindu priests perform the rituals, tribal customs remain embedded in ancient practices, artisans from diverse communities build the chariots, and Muslim craftsmen continue to contribute to their splendour with the same dedication as their forefathers.