Thousands Join Jagannath Rath Yatra in Vijayawada
Devotees from across India and abroad joined the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Vijayawada as the decorated chariot travelled through the city's main streets.
Thousands of devotees participated in the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON Vijayawada's Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir on Thursday, recreating the spiritual fervour of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra.
The celebrations began with special prayers at Sitara Grounds in Bhavanipuram, followed by the chariot procession at 3 pm. The decorated chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra travelled nearly six kilometres through Swathi Theatre Road, Kanaka Durga Temple Road and Ratham Centre before reaching the Gundicha Mandir near Seethamma Vari Paadalu after a five-hour journey.
Thousands of devotees, cultural troupes, participants from different states and international devotees joined the procession. Devotees decorated the route with colourful rangolis, showered flower petals, chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, offered aarti, and distributed Jagannath Mahaprasadam.
MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad, BJP spokesperson Pathuru Nagabhushanam, Prathipati Sridhar and other dignitaries performed the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual by ceremonially sweeping the path before the chariot with a golden broom, symbolising humility before the Lord.
ISKCON Vijayawada Temple President Sriman Chakradhari Das thanked the Andhra Pradesh government and the police for ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival.