Jagannath Rath Yatra: 'Rath Yatra is going on successfully,' Says Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja

Following the commencement of Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 7, Odisha Chief Secretary affirmed that the Rath Yatra is going on successfully and arrangements for medical and water facilities have been made for the devotees. “Rath Yatra is going on successfully. The devotees and pilgrims who have come to see it have gathered in large numbers and whatever happens here happens only by the grace of Mahaprabhu. Arrangements have been made, and medical and water facilities have been provided for the devotees…” said Manoj Ahuja. The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha, India. It commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival is marked by the procession of elaborately decorated chariots (raths) carrying the idols of the deities. The main chariot, called Nandighosa, carries Lord Jagannath and is the largest among the three. The other two chariots, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra and Darpadalana for Subhadra, accompany it. Devotees from all over India and the world gather in Puri to witness and participate in pulling the ropes of these chariots, which is considered highly auspicious. The procession is accompanied by chanting of hymns, singing of devotional songs, and a festive atmosphere filled with joy and spirituality. The Rath Yatra is not just celebrated in Puri but also in various other places around the world where Jagannath temples exist. It symbolizes unity and the universal appeal of devotion and spiritual journey, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.