Governor, CM attend historic Jagannathpur Rath Yatra

CM Hemant Soren announces Grand Gateway for temple

Pioneer News Service

Ranchi

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday participated in the historic Jagannathpur Rath Yatra Mahotsav in Ranchi, joining thousands of devotees in one of the state’s most significant religious celebrations. The two leaders offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, seeking peace, prosperity, happiness and progress for the people of Jharkhand.

The Chief Minister ceremonially flagged off the annual Rath Yatra by pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath in keeping with tradition. Amid chants of “Jai Jai Jagannath” and an atmosphere filled with devotion, thousands of devotees joined the procession, marking the beginning of the grand festival with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

Extending his greetings on the occasion, Soren wished the people of the state happiness and spiritual fulfilment, describing the Rath Yatra as a festival that symbolises faith, devotion and collective harmony.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would construct a grand ceremonial gateway (Toran Dwar) on the road leading to the historic Jagannath Temple in Dhurwa. He said the initiative aims to enhance the temple’s identity and ensure that the landmark is easily recognisable from a distance.

Soren said the government is committed to giving the centuries-old Jagannathpur Temple greater prominence and strengthening its position on Jharkhand’s tourism map. He noted that the annual Rath Yatra attracts devotees from across the state and beyond, reflecting the temple’s spiritual significance and growing popularity.

“The overwhelming participation of devotees demonstrates the grandeur, divinity and appeal of the Jagannathpur Temple. The government will continue to make efforts to further improve and strengthen the Rath Yatra festival in the coming years,” he said.

The Jagannathpur Rath Yatra, one of Ranchi’s oldest and most celebrated religious events, draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year. The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, and is celebrated with elaborate rituals, devotional music and colourful processions.

Several ministers, Members of Parliament, legislators and other dignitaries were also present at the event, along with a large gathering of devotees who participated in the celebrations with traditional zeal and devotion.