President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Mahaprabhu Jagannath Rath Yatra. The President called it a ‘unique’ opportunity for the meeting of devotee and God, while the PM called it a symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
President Murmu gave best wishes
New Delhi [भारत]July 16 (ANI): President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday greeted devotees across India and the world on the auspicious occasion of Mahaprabhu Jagannath Rath Yatra. He said this emotional occasion of union of devotee and God is “truly unique”.
In a post on Twitter ahead of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra beginning today, President Murmu highlighted the spiritual, cultural and unifying significance of the festival and prayed for the continued growth, happiness and prosperity of the country and its people.
The official handle of the President of India read, “On the auspicious occasion of Mahaprabhu’s Rath Yatra, I extend my warm greetings to all the devotees of Shri Jagannath in the country and abroad. It is believed that during the great tradition of this holy journey, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath along with his elder brother Sudarshan, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra meet the devotees. This emotional occasion of meeting of the devotees and the Lord is truly unique.”
On the auspicious occasion of Mahaprabhu’s Rath Yatra, I extend my hearty greetings to all the devotees of Shri Jagannath in the country and abroad. It is popular belief that during the great tradition of this holy journey, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath along with Chakraraj Sudarshan, elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra meet the devotees. Devotees… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 16, 2026
The President expressed hope for the continued progress and welfare of the country. She further said, “I pray that by the grace of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, there will be continued happiness and prosperity of our country and its people. Jai Jagannath!”
PM Modi also congratulated
Apart from this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the people on the occasion and described the Rath Yatra as a symbol of India’s enduring spiritual and cultural heritage.
PM Modi wrote on the
Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. This is a radiant expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2026
The Prime Minister prayed for everyone’s welfare and prosperity. He further added, “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May he grant us strength for all our endeavors and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!”
Final preparations for the journey in Puri
Meanwhile, the three sacred chariots are to be brought from the Rathkhala in front of the Jagannath temple after traditional rituals in Puri today.
Lord Jagannath’s chariot Nandighosh, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot Taladhwaja and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalan will be taken out after the ‘Aagya Mala Bije’ ritual, which marks the final preparations before the start of the yatra on Thursday.
Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most important festivals of Hinduism, attracts millions of devotees every year. Extensive security and logistical arrangements are made in the states to ensure its smooth and peaceful conduct. (ANI)
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