Puri

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: President Draupadi Murmu Witnesses Rituals in Puri

July 7, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

The annual Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is set to commence in Odisha’s Puri today, marking a unique two-day celebration due to specific celestial arrangements.

The annual Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra will begin in Odisha’s Puri today. This year, due to specific celestial arrangements, the religious event will go on for two days. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, along with millions of devotees from across India.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 News:

The much-awaited annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is beginning today in Puri, Odisha. This year’s festival is notable as it will extend over two days, a rare occurrence attributed to specific celestial arrangements. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to be present to witness the grand event, joining millions of devotees from across the country.

The Odisha government has put in place extensive measures to ensure the smooth and timely conduct of this revered festival. Special security arrangements have been made for the President’s visit, with a designated VIP zone for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers, and other dignitaries. A buffer zone has also been created specifically for the President, as confirmed by ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar.

The Rath Yatra, typically a one-day event, was last held over two days in 1971. During this festival, various rituals related to the Hindu deities – Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra – are performed.

Also known as the Chariot Festival, the Rath Yatra symbolizes the Holy Trinity’s journey to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days. In preparation for the Yatra, the chariots have been stationed in front of the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath temple, ready to be taken to the Gundicha temple, where they will remain for a week.