The sacred town of Puri came alive today as the grand annual Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 commenced with vibrant celebrations and chants of devotion echoing through the streets. Scheduled to take place from June 27 to July 5, this nine-day spiritual journey marks one of the most revered festivals in the Hindu calendar, drawing millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad.
The iconic procession sees three majestic chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra from the main Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for a week before returning in a ceremonious return journey known as Bahuda Yatra.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his warm wishes to devotees, encouraging them to take part in the festivities “with utmost faith and devotion.”
While Puri led the spiritual celebrations, Ahmedabad also joined in the celebrations. For the first time, Lord Jagannath received a Guard of Honour as part of the city’s Rath Yatra celebrations.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel offered ceremonial prayers and flagged off the chariot, adding grandeur to the occasion.
As the auspicious Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 kicks off, an overwhelming number of devotees throng the Shree Jagannathji Mandir in Ahmedabad early Friday morning to offer prayers and seek blessings.
With lakhs of devotees pulling the sacred chariots with thick ropes as an act of service and surrender, the festival continues to be a moving spectacle of culture and faith.
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