President Murmu, PM Modi Extend Rath Yatra Greetings; Highlight Unity

and Humility

Greetings were also extended to all citizens of the country on the eve of the annual

Jagannath Rath Yatra, which bears the message of devotion, unity, and humility by the

President of India, Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The mammoth

religious procession in celebration of Lord Jagannath is observed with much passion by the

followers of India and is attended by millions of followers each year.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings on this blessed occasion and spoke of

the spiritual importance of the festival that serves as a means for promoting harmony and

faith. She appealed to the people to inculcate the lessons of compassion, selfless service,

and social unity through Lord Jagannath’s tradition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too extended his greetings and described Rath Yatra as the

festival which is rooted in the concepts of humility, equality, and togetherness.

The yearly Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place at Puri in Odisha where Lord Jagannath, Lord

Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are taken out in a chariot to the Gundicha Temple. The

traditional festival is said to be one of the largest religious festivals of the world with the

followers traveling from different parts of the country as well as foreign countries.

Not only it is a religious event, but it also reflects the rich cultural traditions of India.

Thousands of devotees pull the gigantic chariots, which is an expression of collective

participation, equality, and the concept of divinity being available to all irrespective of any

social discrimination.

This year, the celebrations saw the making of elaborate security arrangements to ensure the

safety of the devotees and proper movement through the streets of Puri. The gathering

places in Puri saw enhanced security arrangements as well as facilities for the pilgrims.

As this year too, the celebration of the Rath Yatra inspires people, the messages of national

leaders remind people of the significance of protecting spiritual traditions of India and

fostering unity, peace, and mutual respect amongst its citizens.

Author