Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai leads Rath Yatra celebrations with prayers for state's prosperity

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 7 (ANI): Praying for wealth and joy in the state, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday expressed hope for the state's prosperity during the Rath Yatra celebrations at the Raipur Jagannath Temple on Sunday.
Emphasizing the significance of the occasion, he led the ritualistic worship of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra Swami, and Mata Subhadra amidst enthusiastic participation from the community.
"On the auspicious occasion of the commencement of the Ratha Yatra at the Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, prayers and rituals were performed for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, wishing happiness, prosperity, and well-being for all the residents of the state. Before the Ratha Yatra, the ritual of Chhera Pahara was performed, and we obtained the merit of this holy act. May the grace of Lord Jagannath always be upon us," Puri wrote in a post on X.
"Today is the Rath Yatra. We are fortunate to perform the ritualistic worship of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra Swami and Mata Subhadra here at the Raipur Jagannath Temple and there is a lot of enthusiasm here on such an occasion. We have prayed to Lord Jagannath that there should be good rain in Chhattisgarh, there should be good grain production, our farmers should be happy, and everyone's life should be prosperous and joyful," Vishnu Deo Sai said while addressing a Press conference.
Meanwhile, President of India Droupadi Murmu on Sunday took part in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.

Extending wishes to fellow Indians, President Droupadi Murmu, in a post on X said, "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".
Earlier today, a large number of devotees from across the country gathered today in Odisha's Puri to take the blessings of Lord Jagannath as a two-day Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced today.

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is believed to be as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) in the month of Ashadh. The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is scheduled to be celebrated today, July 7, 2024.

The festival is associated with Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings. During the Yatra, the deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are carried on wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri. (ANI)