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Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mamata inaugurates first Rath Yatra, sweeps path, pulls chariots: ‘Soul-stirring experience'
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday inaugurated the first Rath Yatra from the newly constructed and inaugurated Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, in the Purba Medinipur district and participated in all the ceremonial rituals. Several cabinet ministers also participated in the festivities. Around 2 pm, the Chief Minister began the festivities by ceremonially sweeping the road in front of the three chariots with a golden broom. She performed the aarti and then pulled the ropes of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings — Balabhadra and Subhadra. Appealing to the devotees through a public address system, CM Banerjee stated that they could touch the ropes of all three chariots from inside the barricades along the 750-metre procession route, from the main temple to the sibling deities' aunt's place. The pilgrims were asked to stand behind barricades along the procession route and were not allowed to spill onto the streets to pull the ropes of the chariots. On Thursday, the chief minister had said that no one would be allowed to spill onto the street to pull the ropes of the chariots of the sibling deities. Following this, a group of children of ISKCON devotees from abroad performed to the music by Madhab's rock band. Earlier in the day, nearly 40 ISKCON devotees, mostly international, danced for hours in front of the chariots to the devotional chants of 'Hare Ram, Hare Krishna.' Banerjee said people across different communities, religion, caste and creed have participated in the festival. 'I extend my sincere love and greetings to everyone on the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra. May everyone's life be blessed and happy by the grace of the eternal, eternal Lord Sri Sri Jagannath. Thousands of pilgrims from home and abroad have taken part in the holy Rath Yatra today. I too pulled the rope of the chariot from among the people at Jagannath Dham in Digha. On this auspicious occasion of the auspicious time, people of all religions, castes and communities of Bengal have taken part in the holy pilgrimage. Devbhoomi Digha has become the heart of spirituality today. May the message of unity, equality and peace resonate in every corner of Bengal. May glorious Bengal remain bound in the bond of harmony. I once again congratulate everyone on a happy Rath Yatra,' Chief Minister Banerjee wrote on her social media page. In another post on X, the chief minister described the atmosphere in Digha as divine and spiritually unifying. Banerjee praised the district administration for their planning and thanked the devotees for their presence, concluding with a prayer for peace, prosperity, and protection for the people. 'It was a profoundly emotional, soul-stirring, and awe-inspiring experience to be part of the Rath Yatra celebrations at the newly consecrated Jagannath Dham in Digha. The sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense wafting through the air, and the resonant chants of 'Joy Jagannath' created an atmosphere of divine grace and spiritual unity. As a humble servant of the Lord of the Universe, I swept the streets in a gesture of reverence. With deep devotion in my heart, I offered aarati, seeking blessings for peace and harmony. It was deeply moving to witness Lord Jagannath's chariot roll forward for the very first time in Digha. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the District Administration for the meticulous planning, ensuring the safety and seamless participation of thousands of devotees. I am deeply grateful to our Maa, Mati, Manush whose presence enriched the occasion with love, warmth, and spiritual fervour. On this sacred day, I pray to Prabhu Jagannath to bless our land and its people, to fill every life with peace, prosperity, and strength, and to protect us from those who seek to divide, deprive, and oppress. Joy Jagannath! Joy Bangla,' Banerjee wrote on X.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Digha Rath Yatra kicks off with political war over chariots between TMC and BJP
The Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday organised separate Rath Yatra celebrations in West Bengal, engaging in a competition of sorts. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the first 'Rath Yatra' from the newly constructed ₹250-crore Jagannath Temple in the coastal town of Digha. Thousands of devotees participated in the event. 'It was a profoundly emotional, soul-stirring, and awe-inspiring experience to be part of the Rath Yatra celebrations at the newly consecrated Jagannath Dham in Digha. The sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense wafting through the air, and the chants of 'Joy Jagannath' created an atmosphere of divine grace and spiritual unity,' Ms. Banerjee posted on social media. The Chief Minister, during the Rath Yatra, appealed through a public address system to allow devotees touch the ropes of all three chariots from inside the barricades along the 750-metre procession route from the main temple. Not only devotees from the State, but those from different countries staying at 40-odd ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) centres participated and danced for hours in front of the chariots to the devotional chants of 'Hare Ram, Hare Krishna. Controversy In the prelude to the festival, the West Bengal government distributed prasad (offering) across the State, allegedly spending ₹42 crore. The construction of Jagannath Temple in Digha, which mirrors the 12th century Puri's Jagannath temple, has triggered controversy with the BJP government in Odisha urging West Bengal government not to use 'Jagannath Dham' while referring to the Digha temple. The BJP leadership in West Bengal, which opposed the construction of the temple, also participated in the Rath Yatra. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari participated in the Rath Yatra at three places. 'I feel fortunate to have participated in the Rath Yatra festivities of Mahaprabhu Jagannath Dev across three sacred venues today. Joined the All India Kirtan Baul and Devotional Songs Welfare Trust's grand event at Central Avenue, Kolkata, thereafter offered prayers at Sri Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu Mandir in Tamluk, Purba Medinipur, and sought blessings at Sri Sri Shankhananda Jagannath Mandir, ISKCON Mecheda in Purba Medinipur,' Mr. Adhikari said. The BJP leader also said that he distributed 'maha prasad' from the sacred pilgrimage of Puri Jagannath Dham to the devotees.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Puri temple body moves to trademark sacred terms as Odisha opposes West Bengal's use of ‘Jagannath Dham'
The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has initiated steps to obtain trademark rights over terms closely tied to the heritage and spiritual identity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes amidst a growing dispute with the West Bengal government after it named a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. The effort is seen as a measure to protect the sanctity of the temple and ensure that specific religious terms are not used elsewhere inappropriately. Trademark to safeguard religious terms The proposal to secure trademark rights was finalised during a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), chaired by the Puri Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deb. Attendees included the temple's chief administrator, the district collector, and senior police officials. While the full list is yet to be finalised, officials have confirmed that words like Shree Jagannath Dham, Srimandir, Mahaprasad, Nilachal Dham, and Bada Danda are among the terms identified for legal protection. Arabinda Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), stated, 'This will help prevent misuse of the 12th-century temple's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology.' The dispute over 'Jagannath Dham' naming The conflict intensified after the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to name a new temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Odisha authorities maintain that this term refers exclusively to the Puri temple, one of Hinduism's four sacred dhams. The issue was also raised by the Puri Maharaja during the temple committee meeting. He expressed concern that the use of the name by West Bengal violated long-standing religious practices. 'The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath,' he said. Rumours had surfaced claiming that excess sacred neem wood from the Puri temple's Nabakalebara ceremony was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Both Odisha and West Bengal have denied such speculation. Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a serene yet powerful symbol of spiritual heritage. Its towering presence invites every soul to pause, reflect, and witness beauty woven in faith! #JoyJagannath Odisha CM urges reconsideration Earlier this month, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi wrote to Mamata Banerjee requesting that the West Bengal government reconsider using the term for the Digha temple. In his letter, Majhi noted that the term holds deep religious value and using it for a different location could hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. He also highlighted that Bengal contributes significantly to tourism in Puri. In 2023 alone, out of 97.25 lakh domestic tourists, over 13.59 lakh were from West Bengal. Speaking to The Times of India, Majhi reiterated that Puri's religious position cannot be duplicated. 'It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith,' he moves to trademark Puri temple terms to preserve sanctity amid growing dispute over naming rights with West Bengal.
India Today
30-04-2025
- India Today
Mamata Banerjee inaugurates Puri-like Jagannath Temple in Bengal's Digha
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday inaugurated the magnificent Jagannath Dham temple in the tourist town of Digha, a stunning replica of the iconic Jagannath Temple in consecration ceremony was held with great grandeur, with sacred water from various pilgrimage sites brought to the temple for the rituals. Several celebrities and prominent figures from West Bengal's music and film industry, along with political leaders, were present at the as the sacred Dhwaja rose above the Jagannath Temple in Digha, I witnessed a vision conceived in 2018 come to the Maha Yajna complete, we wait with bated breath for the Lord of the Universe to grace His humble abode by the His presence usher in Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 29, 2025advertisementConstructed in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, the grand structure, developed by the state government at a cost of Rs 250 crore, is expected to emerge as a major centre for pilgrimage and tourism in the the grand Shri Jagannath Temple opens its gates to the world, a divine blend of spirituality, heritage, & Bengal's cultural soul.A sacred legacy begins today, one that will inspire generations to come!#JoyJagannath All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 30, 2025 Mirroring the design of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Digha Dham incorporates key architectural elements such as the Singhadwar, Byaghradwar, Hastidwar, and Ashwadwar. The temple complex also includes a dedicated shrine for Goddess Lakshmi and a separate Bhogshala for preparing sacred offerings to Lord across 20 acres, the temple is made from exquisite pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, and more than 800 skilled artisans from the state contributed their craftsmanship to bring this architectural marvel to inauguration of Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a glorious testament to Bengal's enduring devotion and rich cultural heritage. Every intricately carved stone, and every prayer that shall rise from its sanctum, will embody the deep faith, unity, and enduring spirit of our people," Banerjee said, ahead of the Tuesday, the puja and Maha Yajna were held inside a temporary hut set up in front of the main temple of Lord Jagannath. A total of 57 devotees from Puri's Jagannath Temple and 17 monks from the Iskcon participated in bringing a replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple to Digha, the West Bengal government aims to transform the seaside town into a major destination for visitors from both within Bengal and West Bengal government is planning to hold an annual 'Ratha Yatra' in the seaside tourist town of Digha following the inauguration of the newly built Jagannath Temple, an official told news agency PTI. IN THIS STORY#West Bengal
