New Delhi/Puri

The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India's most revered and eagerly awaited festivals, commenced on Sunday in Odisha's Puri district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu were among the prominent figures extending their greetings and participating in the celebrations, which are marked by vibrant rituals and the enthusiastic participation of millions of devotees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend his wishes to the people on the occasion of the Rath Yatra. "Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that his blessings constantly remain upon us," he posted on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with his wife Sonal, performed the 'Mangla Aarti' at the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad. Shah expressed his joy and peace from participating in the auspicious ritual, sharing his prayers for everyone's welfare.

Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that His blessings constantly remain upon us. pic.twitter.com/lMI170gQV2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, joining millions of devotees in this significant spiritual event. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Puri, Pinak Mishra, outlined the extensive security measures in place, including crowd control, traffic management, and coordination with the Coast Guard, Coastal Security, and Railway Security. Heavy security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of all participants, especially during President Murmu's visit.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is celebrated with great fanfare in Puri. The festival involves the deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra being carried on newly constructed wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. This year, the event is held over two days due to specific celestial arrangements, adding to the unique charm of the festival.

Visuals from Puri show the beautifully decorated chariots lined along the avenue near the temple's eastern entrance, also known as the Sinhadwara or the Lion's Gate. Thousands of devotees queued up at the temple premises early Sunday morning to witness the grand procession.

Simultaneously, the Jagannath Yatra began in Ahmedabad with similar enthusiasm and excitement. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the festival. Patel performed the 'Pahind Vidhi', the symbolic cleaning of the path for the chariot of Jagannath. The 147th edition of the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad saw more than 15,000 police personnel deployed to manage the large crowd of devotees.

Union Minister Amit Shah's participation in the 'Mangla Aarti' added to the significance of the event in Ahmedabad. The Rath Yatra here, akin to the one in Puri, involves the onward journey of the deities to their maternal aunt's temple, culminating with their return journey after eight days.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated with equal fervor across the globe, from New Zealand to London and South Africa. The festival, believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple itself, follows traditional Hindu Vedic customs and is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh, according to the Hindu calendar. This year, the festival falls on July 7, 2024.

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The event's spiritual essence and the colorful display of devotion make it a unique cultural phenomenon, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and the collective spirit of the devotees. The celebrations not only highlight the rich cultural heritage of India but also bring together people from diverse backgrounds in a unified display of faith and devotion.