Rath Yatra celebrated across Tripura, CM, Guv participate

Lakhs of devotees participated in Rath Yatra celebrations across Tripura on Thursday as elaborately decorated chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra rolled through towns and villages amid devotional fervour and tight security arrangements.

The centuries-old Jagannath Bari Rath Yatra in Agartala witnessed a huge turnout as devotees pulled the traditional chariot through the city while chanting hymns and offering prayers. Similar processions were organised by ISKCON, Hare Krishna Temple and local temple committees across all eight districts, including Udaipur, Belonia, Melaghar, Sonamura, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar, Khowai and Ambassa.

Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha jointly inaugurated the ISKCON Rath Yatra at the Purbasha premises in Agartala. Later, the Governor also flagged off another Rath Yatra organised by the Hare Krishna Temple at Ashram Chowmuhani.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Nallu said Rath Yatra represents equality, inclusiveness and universal access to the divine. Referring to the traditional belief associated with the festival, he said Lord Jagannath comes out of the sanctum in a chariot to bless all devotees, irrespective of caste, creed or economic status.

"The festival reminds us that all human beings are equal before God and that harmony and compassion are the true strengths of society," the Governor said.

He added that Rath Yatra creates a unique spiritual atmosphere while reinforcing social unity, mutual respect and fraternity. He also observed that Indian culture and spiritual traditions are drawing increasing global interest because of their universal message.

The Chief Minister said Rath Yatra is not merely a religious festival but "a unique symbol of humanity, brotherhood, love and unity."

"This festival teaches us to move forward together by taking everyone along, irrespective of caste, religion and creed," he said.

Dr. Saha said the state government extends equal respect and support to festivals of all religions and communities, as such occasions play an important role in strengthening peace, harmony and mutual respect in society despite cultural diversity.

He said the large participation of people in the Rath Yatra reflected Tripura's tradition of communal harmony and coexistence.

"Rath Yatra is a festival symbolising the bond between God and devotees. It is not only a religious event but also a symbol of human welfare, brotherhood and universal faith. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve this tradition and culture," the Chief Minister said.

Calling upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from the ideals of Lord Jagannath, Dr. Saha prayed for peace, prosperity and progress for Tripura, the country and humanity as a whole.

Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, social worker Papiya Datta, TIDC Chairman Nabadal Banik and other dignitaries attended the ISKCON programme.

At the Hare Krishna Temple function at Ashram Chowmuhani, the Governor highlighted the festival's role in promoting peace, communal harmony and spiritual values. Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee and Hare Krishna Temple president J. S. Das also addressed the gathering, while social workers Arindam Chowdhury and Adhir Debnath were present.

One of the state's oldest Rath Yatra celebrations at Melaghar in Sepahijala district also witnessed thousands of devotees participating in the procession and the traditional nine-day fair. Chief Minister Dr. Saha inaugurated the fair on Wednesday evening. Cultural programmes, religious discourses and exhibitions have been organised as part of the celebrations.

In Agartala, devotees lined the streets from early afternoon to witness the chariot procession from the historic Jagannath Bari Temple. Volunteers distributed drinking water and prasad, while devotional songs and kirtans accompanied the procession. ISKCON temples and Hare Krishna Temple also organised separate processions, attracting devotees from different communities.

The state administration had issued safety guidelines ahead of the festival, directing organisers to use wooden chariots not exceeding five metres in height in view of overhead power lines and large public gatherings. Police, civil administration, health and emergency response teams were deployed across major venues to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.

The return chariot festival, popularly known as Ulta Rath Yatra, will be celebrated across Tripura on July 24.