DIBRUGARH, July 19 - Shree Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra was organised at the Jagannath Cultural Complex at Khanikar here on Saturday after a three-day long devotional event.
Thousands of devotees pulled the Rath with a rope. All the idols of Prabhu Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were taken out in a beautifully decorated Rath. The Yatra, however, came to a sudden halt once near the Khanikar Children�s Park reportedly due to some problem in the Rath because of the road condition, being pot-holed.
The Rath Yatra is organised every year in the month of Ashar, Sukla Pakshya Dwitiya Tithi. This was the first Rath Yatra from the Jagannath temple here after its inauguration on December 6, 2014. Former Governor JB Patnaik was behind establishing the temple at Khanikar. It is touted to be the second-biggest temple in the country after Puri.
A similar event was also organised at the Jagannath temple at Naliapool and Lahowal. The Rath Yatra moved from Naliapool to Durgabari, RKB Path and Thana Chariali, while the Rath Yatra from Lahowal was taken out towards Mohanbari along NH-37 for about 2 kms. Former Minister Prithibi Majhi took part in both the Lahowal and Khanikar Rath Yatras. Former Union Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar was also among the devotees at Khanikar.
Diphu: With the rest of the country, the Rath Yatra was celebrated with religious fervour in hill district Karbi Anglong. Thousands of devotees joined the centuries-old festival associated with Lord Jagannath, which was observed on Saturday at Diphu and its adjoining towns like Howraghat, Bokolia, Dokmoka and Bokajan.
Thousands of devotees on the occasion of Rath Yatra occupied their positions along the Diphu town starting from Barowari Temple to Sri Krishna (ISCON) temple. A number of majestically decorated chariots carrying idols of deities like Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were taken out in a procession.
It may be mentioned here that including Diphu town, several townships like Howraghat Bokolia, Dokmoka and Bokajan annually celebrate the religious festival and the three deities are taken out in a chariot procession.
Adequate measures were taken by the police administration to ensure that the mega event passes off smoothly.
Haflong: Hundreds of people from every walk of life celebrated Ratha Yatra of Shree Shree Jagannath here with great enthusiasm.
A beautifully decorated Rath carrying the idols of Shree Shree Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra was pulled along the major thoroughfares of Haflong town.
Followers of ICSKON were seen singing and dancing while ceremonially pulling the Rath.
Gauripur: The historic Rath Yatra at the Shree Shree Dham Ramraikuthi Satra at Satrasal along the Indo-Bangladesh border was observed on July 18 with pomp and gaiety.
The brass idol of Lord Shri Krishna, Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra were placed in the brass chariot donated by Bir Chilarai, the great general of the Koch kingdom and was circled around the Daulgriha seven times while the devotees drew the chariot to Ghunusabari, situated a little distance away from the Satra, chanting devotional songs all the way to the Ghunusabari in a proceession. The devotees also sprinkled letuk and batasa as a mark of respect to His Lordship. Naam kirtan was also performed during the night.
A big mela was organised to mark the occasion while devotees from Golakganj, Gauripur, Dhubri and north Bengal participated in the Rath Yatra.
Rath Yatra was also celebrated at Gauripur. The return Rath Yatra will start on July 26 next from the Ghunusabari to the main Daulgriha. During the stay of the Rath at Ghunusabari for eight days, devotees, both male and female will perform naam kirtan every day.
North Guwahati: Addressing a largely attended religious gathering at Ghoramara Namghar at North Guwahati, organised by the Harekrishna Movement, Guwahati in connection with the spectacular �Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra� from Ghoramara to the renowned Doul Govinda Temple at Rajaduar, Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami, Satradhikar, Auniati Satra, who inaugurated the event, explained that Rath Yatra was a festival which spread amity, equality and mutual goodwill among various sections of the society, and so all sections of people could participate in the religious procession without any discrimination.
Among other guests, RC Jain, secretary and project director, Rastriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan was also present. The processionists later proceeded towards Doul Gobinda at Rajaduar after being joined by hundreds of devotees, both men and women. The devotees later assembled at Rajaduar Anundoram Barooah ME School premises where the bhaona Ram Vijay was staged to the delight of the devotees and others.
