Breaking News: Massive Devotee Turnout Marks Start of Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri and Ahmedabad | ABP NEWS

The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced today in Puri, Odisha, drawing a massive crowd of devotees from across the country and abroad. The annual event, held on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month, celebrates Lord Jagannath’s ceremonial journey with his siblings—Lord Balram and Goddess Subhadra. Thousands gathered early in the morning, awaiting the divine moment when the chariots begin their majestic procession from the Jagannath Temple. The temple complex, adorned beautifully, was filled with chants, music, and spiritual fervor. Simultaneously, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a vibrant Rath Yatra was also flagged off. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the city’s Jagannath Temple at dawn, participated in the Mangala Aarti, and sought blessings with his family before the yatra began. Devotees in large numbers joined the celebrations, making it a spiritually uplifting event. In contrast, West Bengal witnessed political undertones during its first-ever Rath Yatra from the newly constructed Jagannath temple. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event but later the opposition accused her for using religious symbolism to mislead hindu voters, drawing parallels to Ravana’s deception in the Ramayana. The Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to symbolize devotion, unity, and—at times—India’s complex socio-political landscape.