Bhubaneswar: The Odia Samaj (Community) in Australia is all set to host the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Sydney this year.
A group of representatives from the Odia diaspora on Sunday met with Odisha's Culture Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, to present their proposal for the event.
During the meeting, the Minister expressed happiness at the proposal and announced an initial grant of Rs 51,000 to support the successful organization of the inaugural Rath Yatra in Australia.
Minister Suraj said that the event would be celebrated on the same day and in the same manner as in Puri, to further promote the Jagannath culture. The chariot, measuring 20 feet in length and 50 feet in diameter, would be adorned with the iconic Pipili Chandua. Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak is facilitating the timely delivery of the Chandua for the event.
The meeting also saw the active participation of Ashrit Pattanayak, MLA from Pipili, and other passionate members of the Odia community abroad.
This year, the Rath Yatra will take place on June 27, followed by the Bahuda on July 4.
