Hooghly, 15 July (H.S.): A festive atmosphere has gripped Mahesh in Serampore ahead of the historic Rath Yatra, with the West Bengal government announcing several special arrangements for this year's celebration. On Wednesday, a day before the chariot festival, State Industries Minister Tapas Roy visited the centuries-old Jagannath Temple at Mahesh and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.

After the rituals, the minister was seen sharing Mahaprasad with former Uttarpara MLA Prabir Ghosal inside the temple premises. Their presence together sparked political speculation at the local level.

Speaking to the media, the minister said this year's Mahesh Rath Yatra has generated unprecedented enthusiasm among devotees and local residents. He noted that the state government has extended financial assistance for the festival and made several special arrangements to ensure its grand celebration.

Roy announced that, for the first time, flowers will be showered on Lord Jagannath's chariot from a helicopter during the Rath Yatra. He said extensive preparations have been made to make the event more magnificent and memorable for the lakhs of devotees expected to attend.

The minister also said that traditional miniature chariots have been distributed among children to encourage younger generations to connect with the centuries-old religious tradition. He added that the state government is making continuous efforts to promote the historical and cultural significance of the Mahesh Rath Yatra at a wider level.

The kind of importance and encouragement that the present government is giving to the Mahesh Rath Yatra has never been seen before, Roy said.

The Mahesh Rath Yatra, regarded as one of the oldest chariot festivals in India, attracts lakhs of devotees every year who gather to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The announcement of a helicopter flower shower has further heightened excitement ahead of this year's procession.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey