ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Hundreds join Jagannath Rath Yatra in Tampa
The festival brought together families and volunteers to celebrate one of Hinduism's oldest living traditions.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 31, Jul 2026
- 18:43 EDT
- 40
Alpa Bhabhi along with the team / Jagannath Rath Yatra in Tampa
Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Sri Ayyappa Temple in Tampa to celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, an annual ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Organized by Florida-based community organization Floriya, the celebration featured strong community participation, along with bhajans, seva, cultural programs, and prasad distribution.
Also Read: Naperville's AMEC gala honors community leaders, celebrates cultural diversity
The event recreated the spirit of the historic Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha and brought together devotees of all ages, offering younger generations born and raised in the United States an opportunity to experience and participate in a centuries-old tradition while connecting with their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Hiten Bhuta was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers. / Sakar TrustHiten Bhuta, who attended as the chief guest and one of the event's sponsors, recognized the contributions of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and families who helped make the celebration possible.
Hiten Bhuta with the entire team at the Floriya Jagannath Event, celebrating togetherness, teamwork, and a memorable occasion. / Sakar Trust
"Jagannath Rath Yatra reminds us that faith is strongest when it brings people together in service, humility, and shared purpose. Traditions endure because communities choose to live them, not simply remember them," Bhuta said.
The event also highlighted the participation of the Sakar community in the Tampa Bay area, which organizers said has more than 1,000 members and supports initiatives promoting cultural identity, spiritual values, community service, and social harmony.
Hiten Bhuta Addresses Attendees / Sakar TrustThroughout the day, volunteers coordinated event logistics, welcomed visitors, organized devotional activities, and prepared and distributed prasad. Organizers said the volunteer-led effort underscored the role of community service in preserving Indian cultural and spiritual traditions outside India.
According to Floriya, the annual celebration serves not only as a religious observance but also as a platform for strengthening cultural identity across generations by connecting children with their heritage and encouraging community participation.
The organization said growing participation in the Rath Yatra has helped establish Tampa as a vibrant center for celebrating Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma in the United States.
Floriya is a Florida-based community organization dedicated to promoting Indian cultural and spiritual traditions through educational, devotional, and community-centered programs.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login