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United News of India
6 days ago
- General
- United News of India
Amid relentless downpour, over a million devotees throng Puri for grand Rath Yatra
Puri, June 27 (UNI) In an awe-inspiring convergence of devotion and divine grace, over a million pilgrims gathered in Puri today to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—eternal symbols of the divine journey and cosmic rhythm. Braving relentless monsoon showers and oppressive humidity, the faithful remained undeterred. Their hearts uplifted, they came to catch a glimpse of Mahaprabhu as he emerged from the sanctum and ascended his chariot for the revered nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha temple, accompanied by his divine siblings. According to the temple Panjika, a rare planetary alignment this year resulted in the compression of two significant rituals—Netra Utsav and Nabajouban Vesha—into a single, auspicious Thursday, intensifying the spiritual fervour preceding the Yatra. As the gates of Simhadwar opened and Lord Jagannath emerged, adorned with floral headgear and divine grace, the Badadanda (Grand Avenue) resonated with chants of 'Jai Jagannath,' 'Haribol,' and the rhythmic huluhuli (ululation) of women, enveloping the atmosphere in a trance-like devotion. Devotees, soaked in both rain and spiritual ecstasy, strained to glimpse their beloved Lord as He descended the temple steps in the traditional Pahandi procession, flanked by Daita servitors. While cool water from sprinklers eased the physical discomfort, it was unwavering faith that truly sustained the massive gathering. Beginning at Brahma Muhurta, priests performed the morning rituals, including Mangal Arati, Mailam, Tadapa Lagi, Abakasha, Surya Puja, and Rosa Homa. The deities were then dressed in fresh adornments and offered Khichdi Bhog—a simple yet sacred meal. At precisely 10:20 a.m., the ceremonial Dhadi Pahandi (processional entry in sequence) began. Lord Balabhadra was carried to the Taladhwaja, Devi Subhadra to the Darpadalan, and Lord Jagannath to the Nandighosh chariot. Their regal journey was accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ghantas, mridangas, conch shells, and classical Odissi dance performances that elevated the collective spirit. By 12:30 p.m., the Lord of the Universe had ascended His chariot. In keeping with ancient tradition, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Neeschalananda Saraswati of Govardhan Peeth offered prayers atop the sacred chariots, accompanied by his disciples. Soon after, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb arrived in a splendidly adorned palanquin to perform the Chhera Pahanra—a ceremonial sweeping of the chariot platforms with a golden broom—symbolizing humility in kingship and divine servitude. At 4:00 p.m., devotees were blessed with the opportunity to pull Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja. This was followed by Devi Subhadra's Darpadalan and then Lord Jagannath's majestic Nandighosh chariot. More than just a religious festival, the Rath Yatra is a cosmic choreography—an age-old divine drama reaffirming that the Lord descends to walk among His devotees. Prominent leaders including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and K.V. Singhdeo, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present to witness the celestial procession. Amid heightened security concerns following the recent Pahalgam incident, the holy city was transformed into a fortress of vigilance. Over 10,000 personnel—including RAF, NDRF, NSG, anti-drone units, and AI-monitored surveillance teams—ensured seamless security. The Navy, Coast Guard, and Odisha Marine Police scanned the coastline, while lifeguards were deployed along the seashore to prevent drowning incidents. Despite adverse weather, fire service personnel and NGO volunteers worked tirelessly—sprinkling water to cool the crowds, assisting fainting devotees, and attending to injuries on the beach. Nearly a thousand devotees were treated and later discharged, their devotion unshaken. District Magistrate Sidharth Sankar Swain, SP Vinit Agarwal, SJTA Chief Administrator Aravind Padhee, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other top officials coordinated efforts with unwavering commitment to ensure a flawless event. As the chariots prepare to roll forward and lakhs chant, "Jagannath Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhavatu Me", the divine message is clear—Lord Jagannath comes forth, not only to bless the world but to become a part of it. UNI XC DP BM
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mamata Banerjee reaches Digha for Rath Yatra, BJP says she is trying to become ‘true Hindu'
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kolkata: With West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaching Digha on Wednesday, two days ahead of Rath Yatra in newly-constructed Digha Jagannath Temple, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari blamed the Chief Minister trying to become 'true Hindu' and claimed that BJP will win all 16 seats in the East Midnapore in 2026 assembly has reached Digha, where she will participate in the 'Rath Yatra' on Friday. She is likely to review the preparations for the Ratha Yatra from the new Jagannath Temple, people in the know Thursday, the chief minister is likely to participate in the 'Netra Utsav', a festival celebrated a day before the Rath Yatra. The 'Netra Utsav' is an auspicious occasion when Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, reappears to the public after a 14-day seclusion following the Snana leadership in Bengal has been slamming the Chief Minister over the newly constructed Jagannath temple, since its consecration, and Rath Yatra as of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari today said, 'That (Jagannath Dham) in Digha is not a temple. It is a piece of art and sculpture. If Banerjee is a true Hindu, she must raise the saffron flag on the temple, not a yellow flag.'Adhikari claimed that Trinamool will be defeated in all 16 seats in East Midnapore in the 2026 assembly pointed out that he will participate in multiple Rath Yatras in Kolkata and East Midnapore's Mecheda. In Mecheda Jagannath temple, Mahaprasad has been brought from Puri and it will be distributed for the next few days. I will participate in ISKCON Mecheda Rath Yatra.''You people now keep a watch, what the Chief Minister will do in Digha to become a true Hindu and establish herself as Hindu,' Adhikari Kolkata is gearing up for the 54th Annual Rathayatra organized by ISKCON Kolkata, which will begin on June 25. The celebration carries the theme of 'Let Peace Prevail'. This year, Lord Jagannath's chariot, is likely to roll on newly fitted tyres which have been originally designed for Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, replacing the Boeing 747 tyres that had been used since 1977.
