Chhattisgarh: Thousands join Rath Yatra in Raipur

Raipur, July 8: The capital city of Chhattisgarh (Raipur) witnessed the grand celebration of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra on Sunday, marked by traditional fervour and a vibrant chariot procession. Thousands of devotees joined the annunal car festival across the state.

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In Gayatri Nagar, the raths (chariots) of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra were enthusiastically pulled by devotees, mirroring the tradition followed in Odisha.

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Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai graced the event, joining the Yatra at the Gayatri Nagar temple. The festivities began with the ceremonial "Cherapahara" ritual, during which the chief minister himself swept the path with a golden broom as the deity's idol was brought to the chariot. Following this, Sai carried the idol of Lord Jagannath to the chariot.

The ceremony was rich with customary rituals and special prayers dedicated to Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister highlighted the festival's significance for Chhattisgarh, equating its importance to that in Odisha. He noted that Lord Jagannath holds a place of profound reverence among the people of Chhattisgarh, akin to their counterparts in Odisha.

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Sai emphasized that Lord Jagannath is venerated as the protector of farmers, attributing the deity's divine grace for rainfall, paddy growth, and the prosperity of farmers.

The Rath Yatra celebration in Raipur also underscored the cultural bond between Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Temple priests pointed out the event's symbolism, representing the unbreakable connection between the cultures of Utkal and Dakshin Kosal.

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According to legend, Lord Jagannath's original abode was Shivrinarayan in Chhattisgarh, from where He later moved to Jagannath Puri. Shivrinarayan holds historical significance as the place where Lord Shri Ram tasted the sweet berries offered by Mata Shabari during the Treta Yuga. The temple of Nar-Narayan now stands at this location, commemorating this divine episode.