Thousands Join ISKCON’s Rath Yatra in Indore

The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, organized by the ISKCON temple. Thousands of people participated, chanting bhajan kirtan and pulling the chariot with a rope.

Significance of the Yatra

ISKCON temple president Mahaman Das explained, “This yatra is taken out on the lines of Puri, in which thousands of people participate to have darshan of the Lord and pull his chariot.” He added, “Jagannath Yatra is being taken out all over the world today. The whole world is celebrating this festival. People should come and enjoy the festival…”

Celebrations in Puri

Earlier today, a large number of devotees gathered in Odisha’s Puri for the two-day Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. The festival, as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri, is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh. The deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are carried on wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.

Wishes from Leaders

President Droupadi Murmu participated in the Puri Rath Yatra and extended her wishes, saying, “On the occasion of the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all the countrymen. Today, countless Jagannath lovers from all over the country and the world are eagerly waiting to see the three forms of Bhagavat seated on the chariot. On the occasion of this great festival, I pray to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for everyone’s happiness, peace and prosperity.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes, posting, “Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that his blessings constantly remain upon us.”