President Droupadi Murmu participates in Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

Puri (Odisha) [India], July 7 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday took part in the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, one of the significant and eagerly awaited festivals in India.
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".
Along with the President, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took part in the celebrations.
"On the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra, I extend heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone. May the boundless compassion of Lord Jagannath bring prosperity to every region of our state, fostering a new and enriched Odisha. This is my prayer," Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi wrote in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended wishes to the people on the commencement of the sacred Rath Yatra in Odisha and prayed that the blessings of Lord Jagannath continue to be bestowed upon them.
"Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that his blessings constantly remain upon us," posted Prime Minister Modi on X, on Sunday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also performed the 'Mangla Aarti' with his wife Sonal at a temple in Ahmedabad earlier today.
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)