Silchar: The ISKCON temple in Silchar celebrated the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath with great religious fervour and devotion on Thursday, drawing thousands of devotees who participated in the grand procession and offered prayers on one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu faith.

The temple premises wore a festive look from the early hours of the day as devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The celebrations featured elaborate religious rituals, devotional chanting, kirtans, bhajans and a grand chariot procession through the town, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and celebration.

According to Hindu tradition, Rath Yatra is observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha. On this auspicious occasion, Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, leaves the main temple and travels to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities remain for several days before returning during the Ulto Rath, also known as the Return Car Festival. This year, the Ulto Rath will be observed on July 24.

One of the most significant moments of the celebration was the traditional pulling of the massive wooden chariot. Thousands of devotees enthusiastically joined in pulling the sacred ropes, an act regarded in Hindu belief as highly meritorious and one that brings divine blessings, prosperity and spiritual upliftment.

Assam Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai attended the celebration as the chief guest and joined devotees during the Rath Yatra procession. Addressing the gathering, he extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion.

Describing Rath Yatra as one of the most sacred and spiritually significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, Rai said the festival represents faith, unity, peace and the triumph of righteousness. He noted that the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra inspires people to walk the path of truth, compassion, humility and selfless service.

The minister expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Jagannath would bring happiness, prosperity, good health and harmony to every household. He also prayed for peace, communal harmony and the overall well-being of society.

“Rath Yatra is an auspicious day for all of us. May Lord Jagannath shower His divine blessings upon everyone and guide us towards peace, prosperity and progress,” Rai said.

Several special religious programmes were organised throughout the day to make the festival more spiritually enriching. Devotional discourses, congregational chanting, bhajans and cultural presentations formed part of the celebrations, while prasadam was distributed among thousands of devotees.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, several ISKCON sannyasis and brahmacharis from different parts of the country participated in the celebrations and led various religious programmes. Their presence attracted devotees from across Barak Valley, making the annual Rath Yatra one of the largest and most vibrant religious gatherings in the region.

The successful celebration concluded in a peaceful and devotional atmosphere, with devotees expressing joy and gratitude after participating in the sacred festival and seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.