Baripada: The long tradition of mutual understanding and communal harmony in Odisha was beautifully exhibited by a group of people, who swept the streets of Baripada during Bahuda Yatra.
During the return journey of Lord Jagannath, a group of volunteers comprising both Hindus and Muslims participated in the cleanliness drive.
“Cleanliness doesn’t have any religion. So, we all have come together. We feel lucky to have been given this opportunity,” a volunteer told ANI.
Others echoed the importance of cleanliness. “We want to set an example for people of the country. We should keep our cities clean in order to stay healthy,” another volunteer said.
Rath Yatra is an annual event marking the nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The sibling deities are taken in a procession to Gundicha Temple, where they spent nine days before returning to their abode.
Though Puri is the epicenter of the grand festival, it is celebrated across Odisha with much fanfare.
