Patna: The streets of Patna resonated with chants of “Hare Krishna-Hare Ram” on Friday as thousands of devotees gathered for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Organised by ISKCON Patna, the festival began from the temple premises, where idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were placed on a beautifully decorated chariot.
The procession moved from the ISKCON temple to Bihar Museum, passing Buddha Marg, the planetarium, Income Tax Golambar, and Bailey Road, before taking a U-turn to return via Women’s College, School Number, Kotwali, Dakbungla Square, and Mauryalok Complex. Throughout the route, flower showers, bhajan-kirtan, and refreshments welcomed devotees.
Thousands from across India and abroad participated, including groups from Mayapur Dham, England, and Nigeria. The air was filled with devotional songs and Harinam Sankirtan as devotees pulled the chariot, believing it to bring spiritual merit.
Ram Manohar Das, President of the Rath Yatra Committee, said the enthusiasm this year was unmatched. “Children, elderly, youth, and women – all were immersed in devotion and eager to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath,” he said.
Security arrangements were tightened to ensure the smooth movement of the chariot, while special prasad was distributed among the devotees. Many local organisations contributed to the event’s arrangements.
The Rath Yatra, traditionally held on the second day of Shukla Paksha in Ashadh month, holds immense significance in Sanatan Dharma. The celebrations in Patna reflect how the festival, deeply rooted in Odisha’s culture, has become a symbol of unity and devotion across India.
