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.
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Time of India
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