Kolkata, 16 July (H.S.) :

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday ceremonially inaugurated the ISKCON Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at the ISKCON temple in Kolkata. Following tradition, he performed the symbolic Chhera Pahanra ritual by sweeping the chariot route with a golden broom, pulled the ropes of the chariot, offered aarti to Lord Jagannath, and paid obeisance before the deity. A large number of devotees and senior ISKCON functionaries were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister arrived at the ISKCON temple at around noon. He first offered prayers before the deities of Lord Jagannath and participated in the aarti. He later visited the room of ISKCON founder-acharya Srila Prabhupada, where he offered sashtanga dandavat pranam and toured the historic chamber. Adhikari said the state government would request the Centre to declare Srila Prabhupada's room a protected heritage site.

Addressing devotees, Adhikari said that, apart from being the Chief Minister, he considered it a privilege to participate in the Rath Yatra as someone who believes in nationalist values and the Sanatan tradition. He added that the state's development and the preservation of its cultural heritage would progress together.

After the temple rituals, the Chief Minister proceeded to the chariot and offered a floral garland to Lord Jagannath. Today belongs to the devotees, he said. At the request of the gathering, he also sang a few lines of a traditional Gaudiya devotional hymn before performing the ceremonial sweeping of the chariot path with the golden broom, marking the formal commencement of the Rath Yatra.

On the occasion of Rath Yatra, the West Bengal government announced financial assistance for 60 Rath Yatra committees across the state. Each committee will receive ₹5 lakh, taking the total assistance to ₹3 crore. According to the government, the initiative aims to support traditional Rath Yatra celebrations and promote the cultural events associated with them in different parts of the state.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Rath Yatra greetings to the nation. Praying to Lord Jagannath for the good health, happiness and prosperity of all, the Prime Minister described the Rath Yatra as a living symbol of India's spiritual and cultural heritage, saying its traditions have inspired generations of people in India and across the world.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh