The 27th Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath took place in Deesa today. Organised by the Shri Subhashchandra Jagannath Boz Seva Committee, the event was filled with devotion and joy. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the festivities. The deities Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra were paraded through the city, allowing many to seek their blessings.
The Rath Yatra began at 2:45 PM from the new Ramji temple located at Risala Bazaar, after a ceremonial prayer. Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary, local MLA Praveen Mali, and former MLA Shashikant Pandya were present. They helped place the deities on their respective chariots.
Before the procession, a special ritual took place at the residence of former BJP president Rameshji Rathod in Maruti Park. All three chariots started together from Vishala Chowk. The event featured over 35 tableaux, religious institutions, bhajan groups, and impressive performances from local wrestling teams and traditional dancers.
Many youth from Hindu organisations such as the Hindu Youth Organisation, International Hindu Council, Bajrang Dal, and Shiv Youth Group joined the celebrations. Students from Raiyagor Tuition Classes also participated, performing traditional stick dances in vibrant costumes.
Service camps offered refreshments like buttermilk, cool drinks, and cold water to the devotees, proving to be a blessing. The procession route included Ramji Temple, Risala Chowk, Hira Bazaar, Maharana Pratap High School, Ambika Chowk, and Lions Hall, ending at the Sai Baba Temple. There, a grand welcome and a maha aarti were conducted.
Despite the heat, the enthusiasm of the devotees remained high. Some faced difficulties due to the weather, but the excitement did not wane. The procession returned via Phuwara and Lekhraj Chowk to the main temple. The police ensured a strong security presence throughout the event, particularly at the Garden Circle where the chariots were grandly welcomed. This Rath Yatra symbolises the religious and social unity of Deesa.
Preparations for next year’s Rath Yatra in Deesa are already underway. Both devotees and organisers are showing great enthusiasm. Many committees have been working hard to make the next Yatra grand and divine. The chariots are being decorated beautifully, and volunteers are setting up arrangements for water and prasad distribution. With a large turnout expected, security measures are being tightened, and police are coordinating arrangements along the route. Bhajan groups and wrestling teams are also preparing to join the festivities, adding to the spiritual ambiance. The annual Rath Yatra is a symbol of faith for the citizens of Deesa, and this year’s celebrations are set to be remarkable.
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