World famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri : President, VP and Prime Minister greet people on the occasion

By B.Maharana

Puri (Odisha), July 01

The world famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri in Odisha began this morning amidst lakhs of devotees . The three deities came out of the sanctum sanctorium of the Jagannath Temple   through  ceremonial procession-Phandibije for the much awaited journey to Gundicha Temple. Taladwaja- the Rath of Lord Balabhadra.

Lakhs of devotees pulled  the three  chariots-Taladhwaja,Darpadalan and Nandighosh to the Gundicha Temple along the Grand Road before sunset. The three chariots were now parked at the Saradhabali.

Lord Balabhadra’s Rath Taladwaja followed by Darpadalana- the Rath of Goddess Subhadra and at last, the Rath of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosa were pulled.

Devotees have defied the heat and humidity in the holy city of Puri to be a part of this divine journey that will culminate in  Niladribije on the 12th of this month when the deities will be back to their divine abode- the Sri Mandir.

Earlier in the day, the deities were taken out from the temple premises amidst the rituals of Chhera Pahanraa and Pahandibije meant to usher the deties on to their respective Raths. All necessary verticals like security, traffic control, health and social service – everything is in place to ensure a hassle free Yatra.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Vankaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted people on the occasion of Rath Yatra. In a tweet, Mr Kovind wished that with the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, there will be happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone’s life.

In a tweet, Mr Naidu said, the Rath Yatra of Odisha, depicting the annual journey of Lord Jagannatha, witnesses the coming together of the entire community in celebration of the grace and divinity of the Lord.

In a tweet, Prime Minister said, we pray to Lord Jagannath for his constant blessings. He hoped that everyone is blessed with good health and happiness.