The Ratha Yatra festival, a significant Hindu celebration dedicated to Sri Jagannath Dev, was observed today in Chattogram and its surrounding areas with immense religious zeal and enthusiasm. Various religious organizations and temple committees organized multiple events to mark the occasion. The centuries-old traditional Central Rath Yatra commenced on the banks of the Nandankanan Rath Pond in the city, with elaborate preparations in place.
State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, inaugurated the Rath Yatra by releasing balloons from Tulsidham and pulling the chariot's rope on Saturday afternoon. Rishi Dham Adhipati and other notable figures were present in the chariot, while leaders from various religious organizations, professional groups, and public representatives participated in the event.
City Mayor Dr. Shahdat Hossain, MP Abu Sufian, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali, Trustee of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Deepak Kumar Palit, and President of the Central Rath Yatra Celebration Committee Hiranmoy Dhar addressed the gathering. During his speech, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin emphasized that the traditional Rath Yatra has promoted unity among people from diverse communities, highlighting Bangladesh's path to becoming a notable example of communal harmony under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
City Mayor Dr. Shahdat Hossain noted that the historic chariot pond bank of Nandankanan has maintained its tradition by continuing to host chariot processions. The presence of thousands of devotees today reaffirms that Bangladesh exemplifies a true non-communal spirit, he remarked. The religious ceremonies included NamaJaggo, the Madan Mohan Puja, Jagannath-Balabhadra-Subhadra Puja, and the distribution of Maha Prasad, conducted under the guidance of the Mohant of Tulsidham and Rishi Dham Adhipati, Shrimat Devdeep Puri Maharaj.
The city resonated with the sounds of drums, conch shells, uludhoni, and the triumphant cheers of devotees. The procession featured the Sri Krishnayan Rath, along with chariots from various monasteries and temples in the Gangabari, Patharghata, Shahajipara, Tekpara, and Tiger Pass areas. The Rath Yatra commenced at Tulsidham in the city and concluded at the same location after traversing several significant streets, including New Market, Laldighi, Andarkilla, Cheragi Pahar, Press Club, and Love Lane. Colorful banners and festoons adorned the area, as male and female devotees dressed in traditional attire gathered at the Nandankanon Tulshidham intersection from various parts of the city.
