Puri (Orissa), July 16, 2007 - Children of the Daitapati community are participating in the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) of Lord Jagannath as volunteers, which commenced here this morning.

The festival involves the pulling of three large wooden wheeled chariots of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra from the temple through the coastal town's decorated streets for over six hours.

The volunteers play a major role as they prepare the idols of the temple to be taken out for their journey. Throughout the festival, the volunteers stay near the idols and take care of it.

Traditionally, the Daitapati community has performed the role of volunteers, and they are trained from childhood to conduct various rituals related to the festival.

The young volunteers watch their elders and learn intricate aspects of the rituals.

Ram Kumar Daitapati, one of the volunteer said: "The kids come here to learn, how to do various jobs during the festival. Once they are 18 years of age, they come and take part in the job fully.”

Families, too, excitement at sending their children to serve Lord Jagannath.

"They go there and offer gifts to Lord Jagannath. We give special offerings for the fact that we are happy that our son will go and serve the lord," said Jayanti Daitapati, the grandmother of one of the volunteers.

Million of devotees and visitors from across the world are expected to congregate on the occasion to participate in the massive procession.

The festival commemorates Lord Krishna's return to His home in Vrindavan, after a long period.

The Yatra is also held at other places where a Jagannath temple exists as in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Usually, the Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra are worshipped within the temple. But on the day of the Rath Yatra (car festival) they are taken through the streets so that everyone can have a holy glimpse. Three heavily decorated chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of Puri. New chariots are built every year.

This commemorates the annual journey of these three deities to their aunt's temple (Gundicha Mandir), two kilometres from their temple. The idols of the deities are rested for seven days before their return to the main temple.

The Rath Yatra is held in June-July and has been going on for the last ten centuries though the existing temple was built in 12th century A.D.

Believed to be the world’s biggest religious procession by many individuals, the annual Rath Yatra (chariot journey) involves a sea of devotees, who follow a series of hand-pulled, brightly decorated chariots carrying idols of the deities.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the yatra. Security men have been deployed at every entry and exit point leading to the temple to prevent untoward incidents. (ANI)