With deep religious devotion and immense enthusiasm, members of the Hindu community across Bangladesh celebrated the annual Rath Yatra festival on Thursday, marking the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath alongside his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

The primary procession in the capital, featuring three massive decorated chariots carrying the deities, was organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and commenced from the Swamibagh Ashram in Dhaka at 3 pm.

A massive crowd of devotees, comprising men, women, and children of all ages, gathered at key transit points and along the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities and pull the sacred ropes of the chariots.

The vibrant procession wound its way through several prominent areas of Dhaka, including Motijheel, Paltan, the Jatiya Press Club, the Central Shaheed Minar, and Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall.

Beyond the capital, the colorful chariot festival was observed with equal fervor and grand processions in various districts across Bangladesh, including Bagerhat and Dinajpur.

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which stands as one of the most prominent festivals in the Hindu calendar, is also traditionally referred to as the Gundicha Yatra, Dasavatara, and Navadina Yatra.

Celebrated annually during the Hindu lunar month of Ashar, the festival spans over a week, with the Ulto Rath Yatra (the return journey of the deities) scheduled to take place eight days later.

Historically, Rath Yatra processions are a common feature in Hindu traditions associated with Lord Vishnu—specifically centering on Jagannath, Rama, and Krishna—as well as in Shiva-related traditions, the honoring of saints and goddesses, and tribal folk religions, particularly in the eastern regions of India.

With Inputs from UNB