The Rath Yatra Utsab of Lord Jagannath, a significant religious festival for the Hindu community, is set to begin tomorrow. The nine-day celebration will feature colourful processions, religious programmes, and various rituals. The festival will start at 8 am at Swamibagh Temple in Dhaka with an Agnihotra Yajna for world peace and prosperity, followed by the Rath Yatra procession at 3 pm. The chariot will reach Dhakeshwari Temple around 7 pm.
Festivities and Rituals
The Rath Yatra will commence at 3 pm after a discussion programme. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister, will attend as the chief guest. The festival includes Harinam Sankirtan, Agnihotra Yajna, Mahaprasad distribution, religious discussions, processions, Padavali Kirtan, Aarti Kirtan, Bhagavad Katha, cultural programmes, Srimad Bhagavad Gita recitation, religious film screenings, and drama performances.
Security and Procession Route
ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Nitai Swami confirmed that the Rath Yatra will start from Swamibagh Ashram and proceed through Joykali Temple, Ittefaq Intersection, Shapla Chattar, Dainik Bangla Intersection, Paltan Intersection, Jatiya Press Club, High Court, Doel Chattar, Shaheed Minar, and Palashi Intersection before reaching Dhakeshwari National Temple. The return Rath Yatra will begin from Dhakeshwari Temple on July 25 and conclude at Swamibagh Ashram following the opposite route. Security arrangements have been made with the government, administration, and police authorities, ensuring all-out security support. Law enforcement agencies and 500 ISKCON volunteers will be on duty to maintain discipline during the procession.
