New Delhi/Puri: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday extended her heartfelt greetings to devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra.
“During this grand festival, the Supreme Lord Sri Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra, and the discus-wielding king Sudarshana, ascends the chariots and unites with the devotees. This festival of the union between devotees and the Divine is rare in the world. On this auspicious occasion, I pray to the Supreme Lord for the happiness and prosperity of the nation and its people. Jai Jagannath,” she said.
The messages of unity, faith, and cultural pride poured in as the iconic Rath Yatra commenced in Odisha’s Puri, with Pahandi, the ceremonial procession of the deities from Shree Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots on Bada Danda amid chanting of ‘Haribol’ and ‘Hulahuli’ by thousands of devotees and intense spells of rain.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also conveyed Rath Yatra greetings to all devotees. “On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all devotees and worshippers. The divine Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra further strengthens the great spirit of faith, unity, equality, brotherhood and humanity among all of us.”.
He further wrote: “May everyone’s life be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity by the boundless grace of Mahaprabhu. On this sacred occasion, I pray to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of all. Jai Jagannath.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the festival as a “radiant expression” of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. In a post on X, he conveyed greetings to all, noting that the traditions
of Rath Yatra have inspired generations with their embodiment of humility, collective participation, and selfless service. “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!” Modi added.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan extended warm greetings, underscoring how the Rath Yatra reflects values of faith, devotion, equality, and collective harmony. “It is a vibrant celebration of our rich civilisational ethos and enduring spiritual traditions. May the divine blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath inspire us to walk the path of righteousness, strengthen our collective resolve and foster peace and unity across our nation,” he stated.
Home Minister Amit Shah offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of all, describing the world-renowned Rath Yatra as a symbol of unwavering faith, belief, and devotion that preserves India’s rich cultural heritage.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan extended best wishes, terming the divine festival a symbol of eternal faith, cultural heritage, and public welfare, while praying for happiness, prosperity, and auspicious lives for all.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi highlighted the deity’s central place in Odia identity, calling Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath the life essence of the state’s cultural pride and a living philosophy of humanism, equality, and universal brotherhood. He emphasised the profound spiritual and social significance of the sacred procession.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also conveyed heartfelt greetings, wishing that Lord Jagannath’s blessings fill everyone’s lives with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
The centuries-old Rath Yatra is one of India’s largest and most revered religious festivals. It is the only time when the presiding deities of 12th-century shrine — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — leave the sanctum sanctorum and travel through Puri’s streets on three magnificently adorned wooden chariots. Pulled by thousands of devotees amid chants and devotional fervour, the procession symbolises divine compassion and Lord Jagannath’s desire to bless devotees from all walks of life, transcending social and cultural barriers.
The festival draws massive crowds of pilgrims, saints, and tourists, making it a major religious and cultural event.