A grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Swami was taken out across Sanskardhani on Thursday. Thousands of devotees joined the traditional procession with deep faith and devotion. The city witnessed a festive atmosphere as Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra set out on the annual journey to bless devotees. The procession moved through the city amid the tunes of drums, bands, devotional music and colourful tableaux. Devotees lined both sides of the route for darshan of the deities. Many eagerly pulled the beautifully decorated wooden chariots with their own hands, considering it a sacred and auspicious act. The entire route echoed with chants and prayers. Devotees welcomed the chariots by performing aarti and offering prayers at several places. Bhog prasad, including the traditional Bhata Prasad, was distributed among devotees throughout the procession. The tradition of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra has been observed in Sanskardhani for generations. Several temples and social organisations, including the Sahu Samaj, Chourasia Samaj, Bengali Samaj, Jagdish Mandir (Hanumantal), Vitthal Raghurai Mandir and ITI Mandir organised large processions inspired by the famous Rath Yatra of Puri, Odisha. One of the major attractions was the ceremonial sweeping of the route with a golden broom, following the tradition of the Gundicha Yatra in Puri.

 

Saints performed this symbolic ritual at Bada Fuhara and highlighted the values of humility, cleanliness and devotion. A grand Mahaaarti of all the chariots was also performed together. The ceremony was held in the presence of Jagadguru Swami Narasimha Devacharya, Dandi Swami Pyarenand Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Akhileshwaranand Giri, Swami Girishanand, Radhe Chaitanya Maharaj and several other saints. The rituals included Vedic chants, worship and the traditional golden broom ceremony. According to religious belief, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra come out for public darshan after the 15-day Anavasara period. During this period, the deities undergo ritual rest, purification and special worship before appearing before devotees in new attire. After the morning rituals and aarti, the deities were placed on the chariots and the sacred journey began. As part of the tradition, Lord Jagannath visits his aunt’s home, known as Mausi Bari, while blessing devotees throughout the route. Saints said the Rath Yatra reflects faith, service, humility and devotion. They said the festival carries the message that the Lord comes out among the people to bless everyone without any distinction.