Ratha Yatra

One of the ways character is revealed in Shiva's Arms is through the characters' rituals. When Shiva reminisces with her grandson about a shrine in a huge wooden-wheeled chariot, she is talking about Ratha Yatra, a major festival that takes place at the Jagannath Temple in Orissa at this time of year.

Jagannath, the wood god residing in the temple, is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu. The festival participants act out a story from the Hindu Rig Veda in which the god and two of his god-relatives decide to go on a trip. In the Veda, they go to the home of Jagannath's aunt, but here the three gods are pulled through the streets in highly decorated chariots by thousands of devotees. The main chariot carries Jagannath, and is usually about 45 feet high. It has 16 wheels. A juggernaut, the British called the spectacle of the unstoppable force when they first saw it.

At the close of the ten day festival, the chariot is broken up and sold as religious relics. A new chariot is built every year.

I'll leave you with a recipe for one of the festival dishes, khechedi. The soft rice is cooked in the temple kitchen, and after being offered to the gods, this prasad is served to the crowds.

Boil 2 cups basmati rice mixed with lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup channa dal in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes. Add ghee or butter. Top with nuts and raisins.