Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, June 27, 2025 (BSS) - The two-hundred-year-old traditional Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev, was celebrated today with due religious fervor and enthusiasm in the port city and its adjacent upazilas.

The festival began on the banks of Nandankanan Rath Pond with grand arrangements. City Mayor Dr Shahdat Hossain inaugurated the event by releasing balloons from Tulsidham and pulling the rope of the chariot on Friday afternoon. Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Balabhadra Dev were seated in the chariot during the procession.

Dr Shahdat Hossain emphasized the importance of unity and harmony in the city, saying, "Chattogram is a city of equality and harmony. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must work together for the city's development. I urge all to forget political differences and join hands to build a clean and healthy city."

The festival featured NamaJaggo, Madan Mohan Puja, Jagannath-Balabhadra-Subhadra Puja, and distribution of Maha Prasad throughout the day. Religious rituals were conducted under the leadership of Mohant of Tulsidham and Rishi Dham Adhipati Shrimat Devdeep Puri Maharaj.

The city resonated with the sound of drums, conch shells, and uludhoni as the chariots of Sri Krishnayan Rath and others from Gangabari, Patharghata, Shahajipara, Tekpara, and Tiger Pass participated in the procession.

Starting from Tulsidham, the Rath Yatra procession passed through key city streets including New Market, Laldighi, Andarkilla, Cheragi Pahar, Press Club, and Love Lane before concluding back at Tulsidham.

Devotees in traditional attire gathered at the Nandankanan Tulshidham intersection with colourful banners and festoons, marking the celebration with joy and devotion.