Amid the crowds and chaos, a group of quiet heroes—the Nolia fishermen community, who have been serving as traditional lifeguards for generations—have been working tirelessly to keep lives safe.
It is believed that at a wish of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Vaishnava devotees initiated the tradition of the Rath Yatra in Bengal.
Every year, the quiet town of Guptipara in Hooghly district transforms into a vibrant centre of devotion and festivity during Rath Yatra, a celebration deeply-rooted in Jagannath culture.
As the grand Rath Yatra began in Puri, the sky near Light House Square turned bright and colorful with a special kite-flying festival held on the beach.
Over a thousand devotees gathered in Slough, United Kingdom, to take part in the grand Rath Yatra celebrations, the High Commission of India said on Monday.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the Rath Yatra festival at Jagannath temple in Digha on 27 June.
For the first time in its history, the coastal town, and now temple town of Digha is set to host a grand and colourful Jagannath Rath Yatra, drawing record-breaking crowds, including foreign tourists to the popular tourist destination.
The day of Rath Yatra is considered auspicious. This day also heralds the beginning of Durga Puja as many organisers indulge in Khunti Puja, planting the first pole for the puja pandal.
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial placement of the deity's idol on the chariot, followed by the ritual where the path was swept with a golden broom.
The divine journey of Lord Jagannath which commenced 628 years back in Mahesh Serampore, took place once again today.
