Latest news with #JagannathRathYatra
New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Ahmedabad Diary: Gujarat Congress struggling to keep its flock together
Much ado about who will be state's next top cop With Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay set to retire on June 30, the grapevine is abuzz with speculation about who will step into his shoes. There is also chatter about a possible three-month extension for Sahay that could delay the decision and buy the government more time to decide on a successor. In the running for the much-coveted top post are Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik and senior IPS officer KLN Rao. While the latter will superannuate in October 2027, Malik will retire in November 2028. With the Jagannath Rath Yatra approaching, a decision in this regard is imminent. Gujarat Congress struggling to keep its flock together Barely two months after the Congress' high-octane national convention in Gujarat, where leaders pledged unity, cracks have appeared in the party. On June 4, state party spokesperson Amit Naik announced on Facebook that he was quitting. But he didn't stop there. He lobbed grave allegations against city president Himmatsinh Patel and called out state chief Shaktisinh Gohil for attempting to sideline him. Patel was quick to hit back at Naik, calling his charge an attempt to gain 'cheap publicity'. The internecine strife may cost the party dear in polls. So much for Rahul Gandhi's efforts to revamp the state unit. Battle for Visavadar hots up as AAP, BJP spar The battle for Gujarat's Visavadar bypoll seat is on. With the election day not far away, the BJP and AAP are locked in a war of words. On June 3, BJP's Kirit Patel claimed to have met the CM with 22 sarpanches to demand that 13 villages be removed from forest zones. He asked voters, 'Do you want a letter writer or someone who gets results?' AAP's Gopal Italia hit back in Gadtha, mocking Patel's 'letter politics' and questioning the BJP's failure to act. He warned voters of 'more crocodile tears' and alleged the letter was just a smokescreen to hide deep-rooted corruption. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
ISKCON Nagpur to host Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 28
1 2 Nagpur: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Nagpur to host Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 28 starting at 12 noon from Poddareshwar Ram Mandir (Mayo Hospital Square). The procession will pass through key locations, concluding at the ISKCON Temple. A preparatory meeting for the yatra was held at ISKCON Nagpur. The meeting discussed event layout, service distribution, city route planning, promotion, and security arrangements. Senior devotees, including Brajenra Tanay Prabhu and Venu Gopal Prabhu, were present. ISKCON Nagpur invites all devotees and the general public to participate in the Rath Yatra and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath. The event aims to provide a divine opportunity for devotees to participate and experience the spiritual significance of the Rath Yatra. Detailed preparations are underway to ensure a memorable and special event.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Yogi to UP cops: Take cognizance ofdispute even without complaint
Lucknow: To prevent law and order problems in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday directed police officials to take cognizance of disputes even without a formal complaint and work towards resolving the issue before it goes out of hand. During a review of law and order during a video conference with administration and police officials on Monday evening, the CM highlighted upcoming festivals, like Ganga Dussehra on June 5, Eid-ul-Zuha on June 7, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 24, saying that this period was highly sensitive from a law and order perspective. "All district magistrates and police captains should review past incidents in their areas. Lists should be prepared of those who slaughter prohibited animals, act against tradition, or spread disorder, and preventive action should be taken against suspects. Communication with peace committees in all police stations, tehsils, and districts should be ensured. Traffic on public roads should not be obstructed, and police foot patrols should continue around religious sites," he said. The CM said that sites for sacrifices on Eid-ul-Zuha should be identified, and no sacrifices should be allowed anywhere else. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Trading con IA en Chile ayuda a usuarios a obtener ganancias potenciales! Mainhubfb Más información Undo Sacrifice of prohibited animals should be completely banned. He asked each district to prepare a well-planned system for waste disposal after sacrifices. Officials have been directed to ensure that prayers are offered at traditional sites only, and permission should not be granted for prayers that block roads. Referring to recent bird flu cases, the CM said that special vigilance should be in place and safety standards should be adhered to. Disposal of dead animals in rivers should also be prevented, he said. Officials have been directed to crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses while ensuring that those with licenses should also adhere to conditions. Open sale of meat should be prohibited. In view of the Ganga Dussehra festival, a cleaning exercise of Ganga's ghats will be undertaken and they will also be decorated. The CM said that a cleanliness drive should take place on June 4 while an evening aarti and other events should be held on June 5. Designated bathing sites at the ghats should be identified, and divers, PAC flood units, NDRF, and SDRF should be deployed for safety, he added. To mark World Environment Day on June 5, the CM said that plantation should take place under the theme of 'Ek Ped Ma ke Naam' with participation from MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives. The CM also spoke about the need for revival and restoration of rivers, asking administrations to take inspiration from the revival of the Noon River in Jalaun. He added that this year's tree plantation campaign should be linked to river restoration. Discussing preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21, the CM said that a list of master trainers should be prepared and sent to districts. The main event of Yoga Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the programme, should be broadcast live across the state. Expressing concern over road accidents, the CM identified violation of traffic rules as the main cause of accidents. He spoke about the need for improvements in road engineering, signage, and speed breaker arrangements. He directed that illegal bus and auto stands should be removed immediately and that road accidents should be audited to determine responsibility. The CM also assessed the public hearing system and praised districts with a good performance. He also directed other districts to improve their functioning. "Law and order and public hearings are governance priorities. Complaints received through IGRS and the CM Helpline should be resolved satisfactorily and timely. Resolution alone is not enough. A complainant's satisfaction is the final standard. In all cases, establish contact with the applicant before the final resolution. All officers should conduct public hearings in their offices on working days and appoint public grievance officers in all their departments and offices," he said.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
When will Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 start? Know date, history, rituals and significance
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 start date: The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of India's grandest and sacred festivals. This important festival, also known as the Festival of Chariots, attracts millions of devotees worldwide. The Jagannath Rath Yatra marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, from their temple in Puri, Odisha, to the Gundicha Temple. Let's explore the date, history, rituals, and significance of this iconic event. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date In 2025, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will begin on June 27, 2025. The preparations, however, start much earlier and continue for months. The full festival spans several days, with different rituals and ceremonies performed on specific dates. One significance of this Yatra is that people from all religions and faiths can see the deities and participate in the procession, as they are not allowed to enter the temple on other days. For this, the Puri Rath Yatra sees 4-5 lakh pilgrims yearly; Indians and foreigners flock in large numbers to get a glimpse of the idols in the chariot. It is believed that those who manage to get a glimpse of the idols will have a prosperous year ahead. Special Chariots Are Made for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, special chariots are made for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Each deity travels on a separate chariot. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosha, is the largest of the three chariots, and it is coloured red and yellow. This chariot stands about 45.5 feet tall. Interestingly, no nails or metal parts are used in making it—it is built entirely from neem wood. The construction of the chariot begins on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. The chariot has 16 wheels and is slightly bigger than the chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra. The Story Behind Jagannath Rath Yatra The legend behind the Jagannath Rath Yatra is heartwarming. It is said that Goddess Subhadra once expressed her wish to visit her aunt's house in Gundicha. To fulfil her wish, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra decided to accompany her on chariots. This divine journey is re-enacted every year as the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Some records say the tradition began during the 12th century when the Jagannath Temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. However, many believe the festival's roots are even older and deeply spiritual. The Significance of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival. It symbolises unity, devotion, and the connection between the divine and the devotees. When devotees pull the huge wooden chariots of the deities, it is believed to cleanse them of sins and bring blessings. Another unique ritual during the yatra is when the King of Puri himself sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom. This act, known as Chhera Pahanra, shows that in the eyes of God, everyone is equal. Rituals and Schedule of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 will include a series of important rituals spread over many days: Akshaya Tritiya – 30 April 2025 This marks the official beginning of the yatra preparations. On this auspicious day, the first pieces of wood for building the three chariots are brought in. Snana Purnima – 11 June 2025 On this day, the deities are bathed with 108 pots of holy water in a grand ceremony. After the bath, they are dressed as elephants, which is called Gaja Besha. Anavasara – 13 to 26 June 2025 After their bath, the deities fall ill and rest in isolation. During these 15 days, they are treated with herbal remedies and are not available for public viewing. Gundicha Marjana – 26 June 2025 The Gundicha Temple is cleaned and prepared for the deities. This cleansing represents the purification of the heart before welcoming the divine. Rath Yatra – 27 June 2025 The main event! The deities are carried in a big procession on their chariots – Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath (16 wheels), Taladhwaja for Balabhadra (14 wheels), and Darpadalan for Subhadra (12 wheels). The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees to the Gundicha Temple. Hera Panchami – 1 July 2025 This playful ritual marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi at Gundicha Temple looking for Lord Jagannath. It symbolises love and divine drama. Sandhya Darshan – 3 July 2025 The evening view of the deities at Gundicha Temple is considered very sacred. It is believed that seeing the deities here is equal to seeing them for 10 years at the main temple. Bahuda Yatra – 5 July 2025 The return journey of the deities from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. On the way, they stop at Mausi Maa Temple to enjoy a special sweet called Poda Pitha. Suna Besha – 6 July 2025 The deities are dressed in gold jewellery and ornaments. This is one of the most visually stunning parts of the festival. Adhara Pana – 7 July 2025 A sweet drink made from milk, cheese, and spices is offered to the deities on their chariots. After the offering, the pots are broken to show that divine offerings are meant for all. Niladri Bijay – 8 July 2025 This marks the end of the festival when the deities return to their sanctum at the Jagannath Temple. This final day is full of joy and celebration. Why You Should Witness Jagannath Rath Yatra At Least Once The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious event, but a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and spirituality. Whether you are a devotee or a curious traveller, this festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The massive crowds, the beautiful chariots, the emotional devotion – everything about this event is unforgettable. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a journey of faith, tradition, and unity. With its deep-rooted history, powerful rituals, and spiritual significance, it continues to inspire millions every year. If you are planning a spiritual getaway, make sure to be in Puri for the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 and witness this divine journey up close. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
