President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday, 16 July extended warm wishes to devotees across India and abroad on the occasion of the annual Rath Yatra, describing the revered festival as a celebration of 'our rich civilisational ethos' and an 'emotional moment of union' between the faithful and the Lord. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in, calling the procession a 'radiant expression' of India's timeless spiritual and cultural heritage.

President Murmu's Message

Taking to X, President Murmu conveyed her heartfelt greetings to all devotees of Shri Jagannath, both within the country and abroad. She invoked the popular belief that during the holy procession, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, accompanied by Chakraraj Sudarshan, elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, descends to meet the faithful.

'This emotional moment of union between the devotees and the Lord is unparalleled,' she wrote. The President also prayed that by the grace of Mahaprabhu, 'there may be a continuous increase in the happiness and prosperity of our country and its people.'

Vice President Radhakrishnan's Greetings

In a post on X, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the Rath Yatra as a reflection of 'the values of faith, devotion, equality and collective harmony, bringing people together beyond all differences.' He called it 'a vibrant celebration of our rich civilisational ethos and enduring spiritual traditions.'

Radhakrishnan further expressed hope that the divine blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath would 'inspire us to walk the path of righteousness, strengthen our collective resolve and foster peace and unity across our nation.'

PM Modi Joins in the Wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also posting on X, said the Rath Yatra embodies 'humility, collective participation and selfless service' — traditions that have inspired generations across India and beyond. He prayed that Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with 'good health, happiness and prosperity' and deepen 'the spirit of togetherness in our society.'

Significance of Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra, most famously associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the oldest and largest religious processions in India, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. The festival sees the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra taken out in elaborately decorated chariots, allowing devotees — regardless of caste or creed — to have a direct 'darshan' of the Lord, a tradition that has historically underscored the festival's ethos of equality and inclusion.

With all three constitutional heads of the nation extending greetings this year, the occasion reinforces the cultural and spiritual significance the Rath Yatra holds in India's public life. The festival continues to serve as a symbol of national unity, drawing participation from communities well beyond Odisha.