Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Shekhawat join devotees in grand Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): As the annual Rath Yatra began in Odisha's Puri on Friday, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat participated in the celebrations and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, joining lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Speaking to the media, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, 'The first ritual of the Jagannath Yatra has been completed. All three siblings have reached the chariots... I am satisfied with the arrangements made by the state government...'
Earlier in the day, Union Ministers Pradhan and Shekhawat visited and appreciated the state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Puri, developed by the Odisha Police in collaboration with the homegrown startup IG Drones.
The ICCC has been pivotal in ensuring safety and efficiency during the world-famous Rath Yatra, marking a significant milestone in modernised crowd and security management with 500 CCTVs, drones, anti-drone systems, and AI analytics.
Thousands of devotees gathered in Puri to witness the grand spectacle, chanting hymns as the sweeping ritual marked the start of the deities' annual nine-day sojourn.
The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, as thousands of devotees began pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour.
Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana.
With the blowing of conch shells and rhythmic beating of cymbals and mridangas, the pulling of the chariots began along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), marking the start of the deities' annual journey.
The 'Chhera Pahanra' is one of the most significant customs of the Rath Yatra, symbolising humility and equality before the divine.
During the ritual, the Gajapati Maharaja, the erstwhile King of Puri and chief servitor of Lord Jagannath, swept around the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra with a golden broom, sprinkling sandalwood water and flowers, and invoking blessings to purify the path of the divine journey.
Dressed in traditional attire, the Gajapati Maharaja arrived in a royal procession from the Puri royal palace to the Grand Road, where the deities were placed on their respective chariots. His ceremonial act represents the deep intertwining of royalty and devotion in Jagannath culture. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
4 death penalties secured, 458 cases fast-tracked in a yr
Lucknow: As part of its 'Operation Conviction' campaign, the Uttar Pradesh govt has secured four death penalties and fast-tracked 458 cases of heinous crimes under the new criminal laws since July 2024. These include death penalties for four criminals in Badaun, Hathras and Kanpur Dehat, life imprisonment for 10, over 20 years' jail for 19, and under 20 years' jail for 425 offenders. Total number of convictions secured in the last two years, since July 2023, has crossed 97,000, officials said. Union home minister Amit Shah hailed UP's legal efficiency at the Central Zonal Council meeting in Varanasi earlier this week and termed it as a model for the country. Director general, prosecution, Deepesh Juneja said swift trials, robust evidence presentation, and video testimony helped fast-track convictions and saved Rs 25 crore through reduced court appearances. "The transformation of UP under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is drawing national and international praise. Since July 1, 2023, due to the govt's zero-tolerance policy on crime, the state's 'Operation Conviction' has secured over 97,185 convictions," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "The swift implementation of three new criminal laws and fast-tracking of 458 key cases since July last year have bolstered this drive. Union home minister Amit Shah lauded these efforts in the recent CZC meeting in Varanasi," Juneja added. "Effective implementation of the three new criminal laws is not only propelling UP towards a crime-free status but also setting an exemplary model for the entire nation. At least 458 heinous cases registered under the new laws have seen convictions. These include death penalty for four criminals, life imprisonment for 10, imprisonment of less than 20 years for 425 offenders, and over 20 years' imprisonment for 19 others," he said. "The prosecution effectively presented evidence and witness testimonies, making full use of the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to strengthen and expedite the judicial process. The govt also ensured witness protection, systematic evidence collection, and timely presence in court — all essential elements of a fair trial," he said. "Since July 1, 2024, effective use of digital documentation and witness statements via video conferencing has taken place in the hearing of 25,000 cases across the state. This significantly reduced the need for police and govt witnesses to appear repeatedly in court, resulting in an estimated cost saving of Rs 25 crore for govt," he said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Resolve to make India a world leader by 2047: Amit Shah
Godhra/Gandhinagar: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Saturday called upon India's youth to resolve to make the country a global leader by 2047, marking 100 years of independence. Speaking via video link at a development programme for Shri Govind Guru University in Vinzol near Godhra, Shah emphasized national pride and historical legacy. Paying tribute to tribal freedom fighter Govind Guru, Shah said, "Around 1,512 tribal brothers and sisters were martyred in that struggle against the British, and Mangadh (Gujarat) became an important place in the history of India's fight for independence." He added, "Our youth and children should make a resolution of creating an India where it attains the first position in every field in the world when the country celebrates the centenary of its independence. " Shah highlighted that the idea of Govind Guru University was conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat CM. Infrastructure projects worth Rs 125 crore were launched, including a centre for excellence, sports complex, synthetic track, football and cricket grounds, artificial lake and hostel. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad In Gandhinagar constituency, Shah inaugurated several development projects across Sanand and Bavla talukas. In Adroda village, he unveiled a model cooperative complex under the Model Cooperative Village initiative, housing a bank, community hall and health centre. In Juwal village, Shah inaugurated a new primary school building with eight modern classrooms and sanitation facilities, benefiting 387 students. He also opened a panchayat house in Fangdi village and participated in a tree plantation drive at Oxygen Park in Sanand GIDC. During a meeting with Sanand GIDC industrialists, Shah encouraged CSR initiatives. Ajit Shah, president of Sanand Industries' Association, said, "It was a fruitful meeting… The Union minister has assured us that the govt is committed to resolve any issues affecting the industry." Residents welcomed Shah with flower showers and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" during his visit.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Centre committed to invest in Bengal's railway infrastructure: Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said the Centre is committed to investing in the railway sector in West Bengal and has significantly increased allocations as part of its broader push to boost connectivity, cargo movement and support micro and small enterprises in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of the Udyami Sammelan Mela 2025 at the National Library in Kolkata, Vaishnaw said the railway budget for Bengal has seen a sharp rise from around Rs 3,000 crore under the previous regime to around Rs 14,000 crore now. The minister outlined upcoming projects, including the development of the New Jalpaiguri-Kolkata Rail Corridor to world-class standards, a statement said. "A master plan has been prepared for new railway lines, Gati Shakti cargo terminals, and the upgradation of the chicken neck corridor to a four-line network," he said, adding that the Sivok-Siliguri-New Mal Junction section will also be linked to the main corridor. Vaishnaw, the railway minister, said that over the last 11 years, India has added around 35,000 km of new railway tracks, including 5,300 km in 2023-24 alone, while also adding 1,400 locomotives and 35,000 wagons annually to the network. He emphasised India's need for "economic decolonisation" and simplification of systems to promote ease of doing business. During the day, the minister flagged off the inaugural Purulia-Bankura-Howrah MEMU train via Masagram and said the Centre's focus is to expand railway coverage besides modernising the sector. He flagged off the train through video conferencing from Santragachi railway station in the state. Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus is to expand railway coverage, modernise railways with technology, infrastructure and amenities and improve passenger experience. Around 1.2 million railway staffers are tirelessly working towards realising this dream, he said. The Purulia-Bankura-Howrah MEMU train via Masagram would boost rural, local and regional rail connectivity and passenger convenience, he said. The service is set to improve daily commute options for thousands of passengers across Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura and surrounding districts. By connecting key junctions in West Bengal, the train will not only ensure faster travel but also facilitate economic activity, he said. He also said during the 2014-25 period, Kolkata Metro added 41 km to its network, compared to only 28 km between 1972, when the project started, and 2014. Underlining challenges related to land acquisition and traffic permission for Kolkata Metro and other railway projects, Vaishnaw urged the state government "to rise above other things for the benefit of people". He referred to such challenges on the Kolkata Metro route at Kidderpore, Chingrighata and Beleghata area and also to the Bishnupur-Tarakeshwar rail route. Vaishnaw lauded the ongoing development of the Santragachi railway station as an Amrit Bharat station, especially the progress of work in the last one and a half years. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to improve railway stations across India in a step-by-step manner. "The station is being modernised as a passenger and environment-friendly facility. It has been designed to handle over 50,000 passengers daily by 2063, in addition to ensuring time-bound train movement," he said. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also attended the Udyami Sammelan Mela, said the government is working on simplifying the IT Act to match the pace of digital innovation. He acknowledged the long-pending demand for a permanent circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court in Siliguri, adding that the matter is under active consideration.
