Rath Yatra Celebration | Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School

On 28th June 2025, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School, Gulbarga, joyfully celebrated the sacred Rath Yatra—a festival deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Inspired by the grand Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath held annually in Puri, Odisha, the Gurukul’s event beautifully echoed this timeless tradition, bringing together students, teachers, and saints in a heartfelt expression of devotion and unity.

The festival commemorates the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, as they travel from their main temple to the Gundicha Temple in grand chariots. At Gurukul Gulbarga, this tradition was recreated with a vibrant procession where students pulled the sacred rath from the Gurukul campus to Ganesh Mandir, symbolizing the spiritual journey of the soul towards the divine.

Students from Classes IV to X participated with immense enthusiasm. Dressed in traditional attire, they chanted kirtans and bhajans while pulling the rath with ropes, embodying the true spirit of seva (selfless service) and bhakti (devotion). The devotional fervor and cultural energy were palpable as the sounds of conch shells, bells, and mridangam filled the air, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

The highlight of the event was the Yatra with Devotion, which resonated deeply with both participants and viewers. This sacred walk was not just symbolic but also transformative—connecting the students with the values of humility, surrender, and joy in service, as exemplified in the original Jagannath Yatra.

Gracing the occasion were revered saints Sadhu Nayanpriydasji Swami, Chaturbhujdasji Swami, and the dedicated teaching staff. Their insightful discourses highlighted the importance of celebrating such festivals to preserve India’s cultural fabric and instill timeless values in the younger generation.

Through this grand celebration, Gurukul Gulbarga once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to blending academic excellence with spiritual and cultural growth, guiding students to become culturally rooted and spiritually awakened future leaders.