Kang Chingba: The Rath Yatra of Manipur
- Vedanti Vaidya
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
It has been told for centuries — once Krishna is with you, He will always be there with you. From the age of the Mahabharata, I have been blessed to be Krishna’s chariot.
I am the Rath. I witnessed the Gita. I live by the Gita.
The time has come again — to meet the people, to understand them through Krishna’s eyes. The one who drives me, the one for whom my whole being is dedicated, is none other than Krishna — Lord Jagannath.
My life is a pure blessing — to be born for Jagannath, to be used by Him, and to wait for this time of the year for my Sārathi — Jagannath.
From Odisha to Manipur, I have travelled holding the flag of Oneness across Bharat.
What I see in Manipur — under cloudy skies, surrounded by green mountains, in the wet and cold air — is a people who made me with full hearts and deep emotion.
With a height of almost 20 feet, six giant iron wheels, and vibrant colours — they made me.
My Lord Jagannath, His brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra — I watch the three of them from a distance, waiting to be touched by Jagannath’s feet as He comes towards me.
All around, Bhaktaganas (devotees) are praying, playing Taal and Mridanga, ringing bells, offering Panchāratis and flowers.
This moment — I wait the whole year for this moment — where Jagannath shows me the path. He gives me clarity — to keep doing what I am meant to do in this life.
Karma — work for work’s sake, never for yourself.
Our journey begins from Shree Shree Govindajee Temple — a prominent Vaishnavite shrine in the heart of Imphal.
I see people wearing pastel-coloured clothes — so soft and mild, reflecting the warm nature of the Manipuris. They offer seasonal fruits, flowers, and sweets to Jagannath.
The most loved flower of Krishna — the lotus — in light purple-pink shades, full of elegance and peace, is offered to Jagannath, as if reminding Him that He is indeed the avatar of Krishna.
The entire procession is filled with music — gongs, bells, conchs, drums — a celebration of the journey of their deities. Sankirtana artists sing devotional songs.
As I proceed, I witness how eagerly people struggle just to hold my ropes — to pull me, the Rath of Jagannath, with their own hands.
Many bow to me, touch my chakras (wheels), and then touch their heads in reverence.
In those moments, I always realise how blessed I am — to be the Rath of Jagannath. Carrying purity on your shoulders elevates your very being.
I wonder — these are the same people who come to Jagannath with their challenges, seeking answers. But today, I see them forget their worries.
They immerse themselves in the procession, in devotion, in joy. Everyone expresses their love for Jagannath in their own way.
With hope in their eyes, they welcome Jagannath.
In that moment, I feel Oneness among them — a deep connection.
They feel connected to one another, to nature, and to the Lord.
Through me, Jagannath gives them comfort — "I am there for you."
I remember the lines: "Kaun kehte hai Bhagwan aate nahi, log Meera ke jaise bulaate nahi."
To be in His presence, to be guided by Him.
I wait with passion, with longing, and with complete surrender —
Practicing my only Dharma — to prepare, to purify, and to patiently await the time when I can carry Jagannath once again.
In those 355 days of waiting, I begin to understand the true meaning of patience — Krutishil Dhairya. I realize my purpose.
I focus inward, preparing my soul, purifying it to the point where Jagannath would trust me to be seated upon.
All good things come with waiting, and of course, with faith.
And yes —
He always comes.
He always comes.
With every passing year, He strengthens my faith in my efforts.
He stands by me, always —
My eternal companion, my Yugandhar.
Very Nice 👍 😊