Was the Rath Yatra in Puri Truly Incident-Free This Year?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a remarkable display of faith and devotion, the Rath Yatra in Puri unfolded without major incidents this year. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan attributed this positive outcome to the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Read on to discover more about the rituals, challenges faced, and the overwhelming turnout of devotees that made this event extraordinary.
Key Takeaways
- Rath Yatra was incident-free this year, highlighting the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
- Minor delays occurred during the chariot pulling due to logistical challenges.
- Over 1.5 times more devotees attended compared to previous years.
- Chariot pulling will resume on Saturday, allowing more devotees to participate.
- The event was celebrated with enthusiasm across Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, June 27 (NationPress) Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated on Friday that, thanks to the blessings of Lord Jagannath, this year's Ratha Yatra in Puri transpired without any significant incidents or disturbances.
“We received the greatest blessing of Lord Jagannath as there were no major occurrences during this year’s Ratha Yatra. While devotees might have faced a few minor challenges, no substantial issues or disruptions were reported,” the law minister remarked.
On Friday, aside from minor delays during the Pahandi ritual, all other rituals associated with the Ratha Yatra proceeded according to the schedule established by the Jagannath temple administration.
However, a notable delay occurred during the chariot pulling, leading to dissatisfaction among the gathered devotees in the sacred city.
The chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra (Taladhwaja and Darpadalana) halted midway, while Nandighosh, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, stopped just a few feet from the lion gate of the Jagannath Temple.
In response to questions regarding the delays in chariot pulling, the law minister explained, “All rituals were completed as scheduled, and chariot pulling commenced at 4 p.m. However, the procession for Lord Balabhadra's chariot on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) took longer due to issues at the turning points. Additionally, this year witnessed a substantial turnout of devotees—over 1.5 times that of previous years—thanks to favorable weather conditions,” he added.
The minister further noted that the number of attendees exceeded the administration's expectations.
Similarly, the large crowds surrounding the chariots contributed to the delays, as police struggled to manage the situation effectively.
Harichandan mentioned that, in line with scriptural guidelines, the Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath was pulled a short distance despite the considerable delay. Many devotees who wished to pull Nandighosh will have the opportunity to do so on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee, announced that chariot pulling would recommence on Saturday at approximately 9 a.m.
Odisha's Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and numerous other dignitaries, along with lakhs of devotees, witnessed the divine play or lila of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Friday.
The Ratha Yatra festival celebrating Lord Jagannath and his siblings was celebrated across Odisha with great enthusiasm and joy on Friday.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the successful execution of this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri. The event not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odisha but also highlighted the importance of community and devotion. While minor disruptions occurred, the overall experience was positive, demonstrating the resilience and faith of the people.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the highlights of this year's Rath Yatra?
This year's Rath Yatra in Puri was marked by the absence of significant incidents, a large turnout of devotees, and the completion of rituals on schedule, despite minor delays during chariot pulling.
Why were there delays in the chariot pulling?
Delays occurred mainly due to logistical challenges at turning points and the large number of devotees surrounding the chariots, which hindered timely movement.
When will the chariot pulling resume?
Chariot pulling is set to resume on Saturday at around 9 a.m., allowing devotees another chance to participate.
What is the significance of the Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra celebrates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the devotees, and showcases Odisha's rich cultural heritage.
