Addressing devotees, Adhikari described it as a matter of privilege to participate in the Rath Yatra as the chief minister of the state.
Photo: SNS
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday inaugurated the annual ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata by performing the traditional festival ritual, symbolically sweeping the path of Lord Jagannath’s chariot with a golden broom before pulling the ropes of the chariot and offering “aarti” and sashtanga pranam (offer obeisance) in front of the deity.
The Chief Minister arrived at the ISKCON temple around noon and began his visit by offering prayers before the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. He participated in the temple rituals, performed “aarti” and later visited the room of ISKCON founder – acharya Srila Prabhupada.
Advertisement
After offering full prostrations there, he inspected the room and announced that the state government would request the Union government to declare it a heritage site.
Advertisement
Addressing devotees, Adhikari described it as a matter of privilege to participate in the Rath Yatra as the chief minister of the state and as someone who believes in nationalist and Sanatani ideals. “Along with the state’s development, we are equally committed to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage,” he said.
After completing the temple rituals, the Chief Minister proceeded to the chariot, offered a floral tribute to Lord Jagannath and greeted devotees, saying, “Today belongs to the devotees.”
At the request of those present, he also sang a few lines of a traditional Gaudiya devotional song before performing the symbolic sweeping ceremony with the golden broom, officially marking the commencement of the procession.
The state government has also extended financial assistance to Rath Yatra organisers across West Bengal this year. Under the initiative, 60 Rath Yatra committees will receive grants of Rs 5 lakh each, amounting to a total allocation of Rs 3 crore.
According to the government, the assistance is intended to support the organisation of traditional Rath Yatra celebrations and associated cultural activities in different parts of the state.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his Rath Yatra greetings to Chief Minister Adhikari and wished people good health, happiness and prosperity. In his message, the Prime Minister said Rath Yatra represents India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and that its traditions have inspired generations across the country and around the world.
Meanwhile, Kolkata celebrated the festival amid elaborate security arrangements. According to Kolkata Police, a total of 84 Rath Yatras — comprising 76 smaller chariots and eight major processions — were taken out across the city.
More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure law and order during the festivities. Officers accompanied every procession, while senior officials, including deputy commissioners of different divisions and other senior officers from Lalbazar, remained on the streets to supervise security arrangements.
Police also prepared a detailed list of Rath Yatra fairs under every police station to facilitate crowd management and ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.
Additional CCTV cameras were installed in sensitive areas, while route inspections were carried out in coordination with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and other civic authorities to ensure roads were free of potholes or obstructions before the chariots passed.
Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda had earlier held a virtual meeting with officers-in-charge of all police stations and senior officers, directing them to maintain strict vigilance throughout the day. The routes of all Rath Yatra processions were mapped in advance, enabling police to monitor the movement of the chariots and respond swiftly to any contingency.
The day concluded peacefully, with thousands of devotees participating in the religious festivities across Kolkata under a comprehensive security blanket.
Advertisement
