The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra was taken out in Prayagraj on Thursday on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra, with a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The procession began from the Jagannath Temple in Kidganj and witnessed the participation of thousands of devotees, creating an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm across the city.
Following special prayers and aarti in the morning, Lord Jagannath was ceremonially placed on the Nandighosh chariot, while Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were seated on their respective chariots for the ceremonial procession through the city. As the procession moved forward from the Jagannath Temple in Kidganj, chants of “Jai Jagannath” resonated along the route. Devotees offered flowers and garlands while paying their respects throughout the journey.
According to the temple committee, a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple premises from early morning for darshan. People of all age groups, including women, children, and senior citizens, participated in the procession. At various points along the route, devotees welcomed the Rath Yatra by performing aarti and showering flowers on the chariots.
A major attraction of this year’s Rath Yatra was the 20-foot-high, 16-wheeled Nandighosh chariot, which was decorated in the traditional style. The chariot was adorned with the Neel Chakra and was pulled collectively by devotees using a nearly 200-foot-long Nagvasuki rope. According to religious belief, pulling the chariot rope is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring special spiritual merit.
Special security and crowd management arrangements were put in place throughout the procession to facilitate the movement of devotees. Several religious and social organisations also arranged refreshments and rest facilities for participants along the procession route.
The Rath Yatra featured a series of tableaux depicting episodes associated with Lord Jagannath, drawing significant public attention. Other tableaux included representations of Lathmar Holi, Lord Hanuman, Lakshmi-Narayan, Ganga Avataran, Lord Ganesha, Garuda Dev, Khatu Shyam, and the Pandavas. Tableaux portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Rani Lakshmibai, Swami Vivekananda, and Ahilyabai Holkar were also part of the procession.
Separately, ISKCON organised a Bal Rath Yatra in the evening, during which a decorated chariot carrying the deity was taken along traditional routes. Religious festivities continued throughout the day in Prayagraj, with devotees offering prayers for happiness, prosperity, and well-being.
