Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra extended greetings on Saturday on the auspicious occasion of Devshayani Ekadashi, underscoring the deep spiritual significance of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in Puri.
Patra highlighted the divine atmosphere in Puri as the deities give darshan to devotees while adorned in golden attire (Suna Besha) atop their chariots.
“Today is a very sacred day. Today is Devshayani Ekadashi. The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Mother Subhadra is taking place. On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Mother Subhadra, seated on the chariot and adorned with golden ornaments, give darshan to the devotees,” Patra said speaking to news agency ANI.
Underlining the spiritual belief held by millions of pilgrims, the BJP leader added, “It is believed that anyone who has the darshan of Lord Jagannath seated on the chariot on this sacred occasion attains liberation from the cycle of birth and death and finds peace and happiness. Praying for universal peace and national prosperity.”
“Today, I offer this prayer at the feet of Lord Jagannath: May there be peace in the world, may India prosper, and may Odisha continue to progress”, he added.
Earlier on July 24, thousands of devotees packed the holy town of Puri on Friday as the Bahuda Rath Yatra, or the ‘Return Car Festival’, commenced with the holy Trinity returning from the Gundicha Temple to the main Jagannath Temple.
Given the immense turnoutof pilgrims during the annual festival, several devotee who experienced health issues were promptly shifted to medical facilities for treatment. To facilitate uninterrupted emergency response during the procession, the Odisha government arranged dedicated ambulance corridors alongside temporary medical stations across the grand venue.
The Bahuda Yatra marks the return leg for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple and remains a major spiritual highlight of the annual Rath Yatra festivities, attracting lakhs of devotees globally.
As one of India’s most iconic spiritual congregations, the Puri Rath Yatra draws millions of pilgrims every year to catch a glimpse of the holy Trinity aboard their majestic wooden chariots.
