File photo

CHATTOGRAM, July 16, 2026 (BSS) -  Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival dedicated to Sri Jagannath Dev, one of the main Hindu celebrations, was observed today in the port city and its surrounding upazilas with great religious zeal and enthusiasm. 

In celebration of the festival, various religious organizations and temple committees arranged multiple events. The centuries-old traditional Central Rath Yatra festival began on the banks of the Nandankanan Rath Pond in the city, featuring elaborate preparations.
 
State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, inaugurated the Rath Yatra by releasing balloons from Tulsidham and pulling the chariot's rope on Saturday afternoon.
 
Rishi Dham Adhipati and others were present in the chariot, while leaders from various religious organizations, professional groups, and public representatives participated in the event. 
 
City Mayor Dr. Shahdat Hossain, MP Abu Sufian, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali, Trustee of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Deepak Kumar Palit, and President of the Central Rath Yatra Celebration Committee Hiranmoy Dhar, among others, addressed the gathering. 
 
During his speech, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin emphasized that the traditional Rath Yatra has promoted unity among people from diverse communities. He further stated that Bangladesh is on the path to becoming a notable example of communal harmony in the future under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 
 
City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain noted that the historic chariot pond bank of Nandankanan has maintained its tradition by continuing to host chariot processions. The presence of thousands of devotees today reaffirms that Bangladesh exemplifies a true non-communal spirit, he remarked. 

Marking the festival, NamaJaggo, the Madan Mohan Puja, Jagannath-Balabhadra-Subhadra Puja, and the distribution of Maha Prasad took place throughout the day. 
 
The religious ceremonies were conducted under the guidance of the Mohant of Tulsidham and Rishi Dham Adhipati, Shrimat Devdeep Puri Maharaj. The city resonated with the sounds of drums, conch shells, uludhoni, and the triumphant cheers of devotees.
 
The procession featured the Sri Krishnayan Rath, along with chariots from various monasteries and temples located in the Gangabari, Patharghata, Shahajipara, Tekpara, and Tiger Pass areas. 
 
The Rath Yatra commenced at Tulsidham in the city and concluded at the same location after traversing several significant streets, including New Market, Laldighi, Andarkilla, Cheragi Pahar, Press Club, and Love Lane. Colorful banners and festoons adorned the area, as male and female devotees dressed in traditional attire gathered at the Nandankanon Tulshidham intersection from various parts of the city.