My name is Priti, and I am from the middle of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This is my first blog, and honestly, I never planned to write anything like this. I was just capturing moments randomly, recording my first vlog, and living the day. But this journey stayed in my heart, and that’s why I am sharing it as my real personal experience.
That day started very normally, but the decision I took was not normal. I left my house without telling anyone. I didn’t inform my family because even I didn’t know what I was planning. I just wanted to go for a walk, clear my mind, and feel free for some time. Suddenly, a thought came into my mind – let’s go to the sea. Even I felt it was crazy. As a girl, stepping out like that without planning and without informing anyone is not easy. There is always fear, hesitation, and responsibility. But something inside me pushed me, and I followed my heart.
Two years ago, eight of us- five boys and three girls- set out on a memorable road trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri on four motorbikes. It wasn’t just a trip; it was an adventure filled with friendship, devotion, rain, and faith in Lord Jagannath.
The Journey Begins
We left our homes at around 8:00 AM, full of excitement and energy. The morning air was fresh, and the roads felt inviting. As tradition and belief guide us, we made our first stop at Maa Batamangala Mandir, located on Puri Road.
We strongly believe that whenever someone travels to Puri, they should first seek the blessings of Maa Batamangala for a safe and protected journey. After offering our prayers, we resumed our ride with peaceful hearts and smiling faces.
Arrival in Puri & Missed Darshan
Soon, we reached the Puri Jagannath Temple. Unfortunately, due to the long queue for darshan, we were unable to see Mahaprabhu Jagannath at that time. Though slightly disappointed, we decided to go with the flow and head toward the beach
Late bhagwans door opened late.
But before that – food first!
We enjoyed a delicious Dahibara Aloo Dum for breakfast, followed by refreshing coconut water. Simple food, but unforgettable taste.
Beach Time & Fun
Next, we went to a paid and well-maintained beach in Puri. After buying tickets, we changed into shorts and beachwear and jumped straight into fun mode.
For 2–3 hours, we:
- Took sea baths
- Played and laughed endlessly
- Clicked lots of photos and videos
Time flew by, but then we noticed dark clouds and approaching storms. Sensing the weather change, we freshened up, changed our wet clothes, and left the beach.
Heavy storm and clody weather, and a little bit of rain, so decided we can do to a safe place .
Lunch & The Rain Show
We stopped for lunch and enjoyed a satisfying meal of rice, dal, sabji, salad, papad, and chapati. While eating, we noticed heavy rainfall outside. It felt like nature had its own plans for us that day.
After waiting for some time, when the rain slowed a little, we decided to try again for Jagannath darshan.
In that time, we have used Google Cloud and checked already in Bhubaneswar, raining very fast
Faith Tested by Storms
When we reached in front of the Puri Jagannath Temple, the weather turned extreme – there was heavy rain, strong winds, and storms. Considering the time (already around 4–5 PM) and the long journey back home, we made a tough decision not to enter the temple.
With faith in our hearts, we believed that Mahaprabhu knows everything.
The Toughest Ride Back
We started our return journey, but after just 1–2 km, the rain became unbearable. We waited for 30 minutes, hoping it would slow down. When it reduced slightly, we continued – because it was already around 6 PM.
The rain is heavily turn in to on thst in my memory very heavy
But the rain didn’t stop.
It got heavier and heavier.
All of us were:
- Completely wet
- Shivering with cold
- Riding through lightning and heavy rain
Still, we kept going. The distance from Puri to Bhubaneswar is about 60–70 km, and we covered it all in that extreme weather.
And in that time how can i explain my hand and external body is fressing
Somehow, We Made It
By God’s grace and mutual support, we finally reached Bhubaneswar safely. Tired, soaked, cold – but grateful.
That journey taught us something deep:
Faith is not only about darshan in a temple, but about trust during the hardest moments.
We couldn’t see Lord Jagannath that day, but we strongly believe it was His blessing and protection that brought us home safely through the storm.
And that’s why this trip will always stay close to our hearts
Jai Jagannath
image credited to me (Pritimayee Swain):
Friends:
Abhijit Patra: https://www.instagram.com/abhi_jit_pupun?igsh=MXgwM2RocG8yemZwNA==
Swati Sulagna Senapati: https://www.instagram.com/swati_sulagna_gudi?igsh=NWUyMmdtanE0ZW90
Biswajit Baliarsingh: https://www.instagram.com/biswajitbaliarsingh._?igsh=ZzU1YXJpcTY4bTdp
Biswajit Sahoo: https://www.instagram.com/its_this_chimpu?igsh=cmwyNGlzbWxxbXgy
Subhendu Jena: https://www.instagram.com/act_vishal_official?igsh=YnVzcmkxOWZzaHZ4
Another friend doesn’t have instagram handling. (Khusbu Sharma)
