Pravash Pradhan
Post News Network
New Delhi, July 18: Rath Yatra was celebrated with much fanfare here Saturday with thousands of devotees including non-resident Oriyas thronging the Jagannath temples at Tyagaraj Nagar and Hauz Khas in South Delhi.
The Trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – was taken out in a nicely decorated chariot that was pulled by the devotees in large numbers. The commencement of the yatra was marked by Pahandi vije with devotees chanting Jai Jagannath and dancing to the tune of Sankirtan.
“The crowd is enormous in view of a Nabakalebara year. We have made all arrangements for smooth conduct of the famous Rath Yatra,” said K D Biswal, secretary of Tyagaraj Nagar Jagannath Temple.
“We have brought special Ghantua and conch blowers from Orissa to perform during the mega festival. We have witnessed more devotees participating in this festival due to Nabakalebara,” said Rabi Pradhan, secretary of Sree Neelachala Seva Sangh,
Hauz Khas.
Arrangements like Anna Prasad distribution, first aid and ambulance services for emergency situations and security were made by the temple committees.
Delhi police had made all necessary provisions to control traffic during the yatra.
Caps were distributed by leading Oriya newspaper Dharitri and English daily Orissa POST to the devotees on this occasion. The newspapers’ director, Marketing, Himanshu Hota, Dharitri correspondent Rama Nath, Orissa POST correspondent Pravash Pradhan and other team members like Vikas Gupta, Atul Gupta, Inder Mani, Krishna Mohan, Anurag Kant Sharma and Chaman Gautam were present on this occasion.
Cultural programmes are being organised by both temple administrations every evening till Bahuda yatra to celebrate the famous Rath yatra and propagate the rich culture and heritage of Orissa outside.