Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended greetings to the nation on the sacred occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described the Jagannath Rath Yatra as a living symbol of India’s Sanatan cultural traditions and a unique confluence of faith, spirituality and public welfare.
In a post on X, he said, “On the sacred occasion of the Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra Mahotsav, heartfelt best wishes to all countrymen. The Rath Yatra of Lord Shri Jagannath is a divine festival of that eternal consciousness of Indian culture, where the unparalleled confluence of faith, spirituality, and public welfare manifests in tangible form. It is not merely a grand festival of devotion and reverence, but also a living symbol of our Sanatan cultural tradition, which has, for ages, instilled faith, harmony, service, and spiritual awareness in the hearts of all people.”
“This sacred journey of Lord Shri Jagannath, his brother Shri Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra is not just a procession of divine idols through the city, but a divine public welfare campaign that emerges from the depths of popular faith to touch the soul of the nation. This great tradition reminds us that the essence of life lies in ceaselessly moving forward on the path of righteousness, duty, humility, and surrender, and that true spiritual practice is to dedicate oneself to the broader welfare of society and the nation. On this auspicious occasion, bowing at the lotus feet of Lord Shri Jagannath, I pray for the prosperity of the nation, harmonious unity in society, and the happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being of every citizen. Jai Jagannath!,” the LS Speaker added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his greetings to devotees of Lord Jagannath. In a post on X, he said, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all devotees on the auspicious commencement of the sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Sri Jagannath Ji. May the grace of Lord Sri Jagannath Ji infuse your lives with happiness, peace, prosperity, and positive energy. Jai Jagannath!”
Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on the occasion.
In a post on X, President Murmu said, “On the sacred occasion of Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and across the world. It is a cherished belief that during this grand and sacred tradition, Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, accompanied by Chakraraj Sudarshan, His elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, comes out to meet his devotees.”
“This deeply emotional union of the Lord and His devotees is truly unparalleled. I pray that, by the grace of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, the happiness, prosperity and well-being of our nation and all its people continue to grow. Jai Jagannath!,” she added.
PM Modi also conveyed his heartfelt wishes to devotees of Lord Jagannath on the occasion. In a post on X, he said, “Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. This is a radiant expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective participation and selfless service.”
“May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!,” he added.
PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath and prayed that His divine grace continue to inspire and energise the lives of all Indians.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan said the sacred Rath Yatra reflects the values of faith, devotion, equality and collective harmony, bringing people together beyond all differences. He described the festival as a vibrant celebration of India’s rich civilisational heritage and enduring spiritual traditions, expressing hope that the blessings of Lord Jagannath would inspire righteousness, strengthen collective resolve and promote peace and unity across the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra symbolises unwavering faith, devotion and trust while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. He prayed to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra for the happiness, prosperity and welfare of all.
Later, HM Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, where he sought the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. Describing the experience as spiritually enriching, he prayed for the Lord’s continued blessings upon everyone.
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s most revered religious festivals, is celebrated with great devotion as the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are taken out in grand chariots, drawing millions of devotees from across the country and abroad.
