Rath Yatra: Our Faith, Folk Culture, Social Harmony and Public Participation's Vibrant Grand Festival : Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai

Rath Yatra is our faith, folk culture, social harmony and public participation's vibrant grand festival: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai. Governor Raman Deeka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai participated in the sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. They performed worship and observed the tradition of 'chhera-pahara' praying for the state's prosperity, good rainfall and farmers' welfare. Raipur, Governor Raman Deeka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai attended the grand Rath Yatra festival organized at Lord Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur. Both performed formal worship and received blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra and, observing the traditional 'chhera-pahara' ritual, prayed for the citizens' prosperity, peace, good health and happiness. The temple premises were filled with devotion, bhakti and enthusiasm. Vedic chants, bhajans and cheers accompanied the special procession of the deities from the temple to the chariot. Earlier, Governor Raman Deeka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai performed the symbolic purification of the Rath path by the traditional gold broom ceremony. Afterwards, the deities were respectfully placed on the chariot and the Rath Yatra began. Governor Raman Deeka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai wished the people a heartfelt Rath Yatra and said that Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra is a grand festival of eternal culture, social harmony, folk tradition and the faith of the people, conveying a message of service, dedication, equality and public welfare. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that Lord Jagannath is regarded as the protector of farmers and the giver of grains. His blessings bring timely rain, greening of fields, milk in rice husks and prosperity to farmers' homes. He prayed to Lord Jagannath for abundant rainfall this year, agricultural prosperity, successful farmer's labor and continuous development and happiness for Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Sai said that the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra remain upon all citizens, bringing happiness, peace, prosperity and auspiciousness to everyone's life. He added that such religious and cultural events strengthen our traditions and provide new energy for societal goodwill, unity and collective consciousness. Notably, the Rath Yatra in Lord Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur is organized annually in the tradition of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra with great devotion and traditional rituals. The chhera-pahara tradition symbolizes that everyone is equal before God and service is the supreme religion. It is also noteworthy that due to the neighboring state of Odisha, there is special reverence and faith towards Lord Jagannath in Chhattisgarh, and Rath Yatra is enthusiastically organized in many regions. The event serves as a strong bridge between Odishan culture and South Koshal traditions. The occasion was attended by MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Puranand Mishra, heads of various corporations and commissions, senior public representatives, representatives of social and religious organisations and a large number of devotees.