Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits Lord Jagannath temple in Digha
Digha (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Lord Jagannath temple in Digha in West Bengal on Thursday, ahead of Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled to start on June 27.
CM Mamata Banerjee said, 'Lord Jagannath temple has become a major place of pilgrimage. The Rath Yatra will be held on a 1 km route from 9 am to 4 pm tomorrow. The aarti will be performed at 2.30 pm. Our ministerial team has arrived here for this.'
The Rs 250 crore temple in Digha, constructed over 20 acres, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025. The temple, inspired by the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, houses the same deities.
Meanwhile, the temple town of Odisha's Puri is all set to witness the Jagannath Rath Yatra, 2025.
During the festival, devotees draw the grand chariots of the three deities--Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister goddess Subhadra--to Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for a week and then return to the Jagannath temple.
On Wednesday, June 11, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, held the sacred bathing ritual on the occasion of Snana Purnima in Puri. The three deities were ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of sacred water. This ritual marks a significant lead-up to the grand Rath Yatra.
The Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals in Puri, Odisha. This festival takes place every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the months of June or July. The three chariots are built anew every year ahead of the annual chariot festival. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Jagannath temple pandal for 9-day fest at Kolkata's Maidan
1 2 Kolkata: Construction of a Jagannath temple in the heart of the city is underway at a feverish pitch to meet the Friday evening deadline when it must be ready to host Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. But it is a temporary one. Right in the middle of the Maidan, a mega pandal — inspired by the Jagannath temples at Puri and Digha — is being built. This replica is also inspired by the Durga Puja pandals. It will be the Gundicha temple or 'Masir-bari', where the deities from the Iskcon temple at Albert Road will reside before Ulta Rath, the return journey, on July 5. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata This pandal is in addition to the replica of Puri's Jagannath temple in Kidderpore. The one in Digha has been attracting a record number of devotees since its inauguration by CM Mamata Banerjee at the end of April. "In the 54th year of Rath Yatra, we wanted to do something special and decided to make a mega pandal, designed like the Jagannath temple. The main spire will be 125 ft tall. It will be70 ft wide and 130 ft deep. Thus, the space inside will be 9,100 sq ft, large enough to accommodate devotees who throng the Maidan during the nine-day Rath Yatra festival," said Iskcon vice-president, Radharamn Das. Around 22-23 lakh people are expected to visit the deities at the Maidan during the period. One of the prime attractions at the Maidan celebration will be the global 'bhog.' All preparations strictly follow the Vedic guidelines of offering only 'saatvic' (pure vegetarian) food, devoid of onion, garlic, or any tamasic ingredients. The cooking area during Rath Yatra is not just a kitchen; it is a spiritual melting pot where cultures blend and the universal language of devotion is communicated through food. Russians prepare fresh vegetarian salads, chopping and seasoning with care. The Italians bring flavours from the Mediterranean, serving up lasagna and pasta. From South America to Europe, from Australia to Asia, devotees offer dishes inspired by their traditional cuisines. "It is often said that Jagannath loves to eat, and his devotees love to cook for him. Nowhere is this sentiment more evident than here, where cultures and cuisines beautifully unite in service to the Lord. This international participation reflects the growing global family of devotees connected bylove for Jagannath. As the grand chariots roll through the streets of Kolkata, it is not just a festival of movement, but a celebration of unity," said Das.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Rituals, Timings, Wishes, And Places To Visit In Puri
Last Updated: Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The grand Rath Yatra procession, featuring Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on their chariots, will take place on June 27, 2025. Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Puri Yatra or the 'Festival of Chariots', is one of the most important and grand festivals in India. Held every year in Puri, Odisha, the event is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The festival is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright half of the Asadh month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival began on June 12 this year, with Snana Purnima, a ritual where the deities are bathed in a grand ceremony. After this, the idols go into a rest phase known as Anavasara, which lasts from June 13 to June 26. During this time, the deities are not seen by the public, as they are believed to be recovering from the sacred bath. As per Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins on June 26 this year at 1:24 PM and ends on June 27 at 11:19 AM. That's why the main Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand chariots, will take place on June 27, 2025. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: History and Significance The Jagannath Rath Yatra dates back to somewhere between the 12th and 16th centuries, with many stories about how it began. Some believe it represents Lord Krishna visiting his mother's birthplace, while others say it was started by King Indradyumna, who began the rituals. Historically, the festival became more popular during the rule of the Gajapati kings of Odisha. Over time, the celebration has grown, but its main purpose has stayed the same—honouring tradition and showing the deep faith of millions. It also reflects the rich culture of Odisha. At the heart of the festival is the journey of three deities: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They are believed to leave the Jagannath Temple in Puri and travel about 3 kilometers to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's home, for a nine-day stay. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Rituals The Jagannath Rath Yatra is marked by a series of meaningful rituals, each filled with deep cultural and spiritual significance. The celebrations begin with Rath Snana, a special bathing ceremony held a day before the main procession. During this ritual, 108 pots filled with scented water and other sacred items are used to cleanse the deities, preparing them for their journey. Next comes Rath Pratistha, where the newly built chariots are blessed by priests through sacred chants, making them ready to carry the deities. The highlight of the festival is the Rath Yatra, the grand chariot procession. Thousands of devotees gather in the streets, singing and pulling the giant chariots as they carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days, giving people a chance to receive their blessings. After the stay, the Bahuda Yatra marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, with the same joyful and devotional spirit. The festival ends with Niladri Vijaya, during which the chariots are taken apart, symbolising the completion of the journey and the promise of it happening again the next year. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 5 Sacred Places to Visit in Puri Every year, the Rath Yatra in Puri attracts thousands of devotees from India and around the world. While the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath is the main highlight, the city is home to several other important spiritual sites worth visiting during your trip. Here are five must-visit places: Sri Jagannath Temple: This 12th-century temple is the heart of Puri and the centre of the Rath Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, it's known for its towering spire, daily rituals, and massive kitchen that serves thousands of pilgrims. Gundicha Temple: Located about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple, Gundicha is where the deities stay during the Rath Yatra. Known as Lord Jagannath's Garden House, it becomes the Lord's home for seven days during the festival. Markandeshwar Temple: Near the Jagannath Temple, this shrine is linked to Sage Markandeya. A nearby holy tank is considered spiritually cleansing, making it a peaceful stop for prayer and reflection. Loknath Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is known for its hidden Shiva Lingam, which stays submerged and is seen only once a year. It's believed that Lord Jagannath visits this temple secretly before the Yatra begins. Alarnath Temple: Located in Brahmagiri, about 25 km from Puri, this temple becomes important during the Anavasara period, when Lord Jagannath is not available for public viewing. Devotees come here to worship Lord Vishnu in the form of Alarnath during that time. Jagannath Rath Yatra Wishes May Lord Jagannath bless you with peace, prosperity, and endless joy this Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath! On this sacred journey of Rath Yatra, may your life be filled with devotion, love, and divine blessings. Wishing you and your family a blessed and blissful Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. May the chariots of faith guide your path! Let the divine energy of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra remove all obstacles and bring new hope into your life. Celebrate the spiritual grandeur of Rath Yatra with devotion in your heart and grace in your soul. Happy Puri Rath Yatra 2025! Location : Puri, India, India First Published: June 26, 2025, 08:35 IST News lifestyle Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date: Rituals, Timings, Wishes, And Places To Visit In Puri
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
City to mirror Puri Rath Yatra grandeur
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Temple City Bhubaneswar is all set to celebrate the annual nine-day Rath Yatra with great pomp and devotion starting Friday. Thousands of devotees are expected to take part in chariot pulling at different places. Altogether 54 large and small chariots will roll, including that of ISKCON in Nayapalli, KISS campus, RCM campus, VSS Nagar, Vani Vihar, Rental Colony, Jagamara, Kolathia, Siripur, Baramunda, Old Town, and other localities where Jagannath temples are located. "We are expecting about 3 to 4 lakh devotees to throng the Rath Yatra celebrations and participate in chariot pulling on Friday. The govt authorities, including police, BMC, fire personnel, health department, and other line departments, have assured to provide all support for the smooth conduct of the festival," said Radhakanta Das, spokesperson of ISKCON temple at Nayapalli, one of the major crowd pullers in the city. To ensure smooth conduct of the festival, the commissionerate police has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements across the city. "Over 17 platoons of police force will be deployed across key chariot procession points. We are coordinating with temple committees to ensure the rituals go smoothly, while also maintaining law and order," said a senior police officer. Barricades have been put up in areas expecting heavy footfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60 m² Prefab Bungalow for Seniors in Baguio Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Traffic diversions and no-parking zones have been notified near major chariot routes. Quick Response Teams (QRTs), anti-sabotage squads, and CCTV surveillance have also been put in place, police said. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken up sanitation, drinking water supply, and temporary toilet arrangements. "We want the devotees to have a comfortable and safe darshan experience. Special focus is on cleanliness and hygiene, considering the monsoon," said mayor Sulochana Das. The chariots will be pulled amidst colourful processions accompanied by troupes of various folk dance, music, and sankirtan performers. For many residents, the local Rath Yatra is a cherished spiritual tradition. "I have been pulling the chariot in our locality for over 15 years. It's not just a festival, but an important community gathering," said Radhakanta Das, 65, a resident of VSS Nagar. At several temples, the chariot of goddess Subhadra will be pulled exclusively by women devotees. Volunteers have been engaged for crowd management and smooth conduct of the festival across the city. Cultural programmes, bhajan sessions, and community feasts and prasad distribution are also being organised by local committees to add to the festive spirit.
