Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Lakhs of devotees flooded the streets of Tripura on Thursday to celebrate Rath Yatra. Elaborately decorated chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra moved through cities and villages under tight security. Police, health teams, and emergency crews patrolled the crowds. Officials mandated that wooden chariots remain under five metres tall to clear overhead power lines.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu inaugurated the ISKCON celebration at Purbasha in Agartala. The Governor later flagged off a separate procession for the Hare Krishna Temple at Ashram Chowmuhani. Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, Papiya Datta, Nabadal Banik, Arindam Chowdhury, Adhir Debnath and temple president J. S. Das attended the events.
Saha reaffirmed the state administration's commitment to supporting all community festivals. He called the event a vital bridge for social peace. "Rath Yatra is not just a religious festival; it is a unique symbol of humanity, brotherhood, love and unity," Saha stated.
Processions occurred across all eight districts, including Udaipur, Belonia, Melaghar, Sonamura, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar, Khowai and Ambassa. The historic Jagannath Bari Temple in Agartala saw massive crowds. In Melaghar, thousands joined the procession and a nine-day fair that Saha opened on Wednesday. Governor Nallu emphasized the festival's focus on equality. "The festival reminds us that all human beings are equal before God and that harmony and compassion are the true strengths of society," he said.
Devotees chanted hymns and offered prayers as volunteers provided water and prasad. The government urged younger citizens to study the ideals of Lord Jagannath. Tripura prepares for the Ulta Rath Yatra on July 24.
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