By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 27 Jun: A grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was organised on the lines of Puri, here, today. This event was organised by Madhuban Ashram, Rishikesh, on the auspicious occasion of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
The Yatra started from Sanatan Dharma Temple and was taken out till Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Hundreds of devotees participated in the Rath Yatra and received the blessings of the Lord by pulling the rope of the chariot with devotion. The whole atmosphere echoed with chants of Jai Jagannath. Devotees kept singing bhajans and kirtans throughout the route and also danced to the playing of traditional musical instruments in front of the chariot.
In a meeting organised before the Rath Yatra, Madhuban Ashram’s Maharaj Parmanand Das highlighted the religious and spiritual significance of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra. He said that the Rath Yatra is not just a religious event, but a symbol of the union of soul and God. When devotees take the Lord on the chariot and tour the city, it is to convey the message of God’s mercy and grace to the people. This journey is beneficial for all. Maharaj added that, on the day of Jagannath Rath Yatra, God himself comes to the house of his devotees, and pulling the rope of the chariot is considered to be an act that provides good fortune and salvation.
On this occasion, Municipal Council President Meera Saklani and Bharatiya Janata Party Mussoorie Mandal President Rajat Agarwal also participated. They prayed before the idol of Lord Jagannath and received blessings by pulling the rope of the chariot along with the devotees. Meera Saklani said that such religious events spread the message of spirituality, harmony and unity in the society. Organising such a Rath Yatra in a place like Mussoorie is a very commendable initiative.
Rajat Agarwal said that, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, this yatra was grand and peaceful. Events like Rath Yatra are the identity of Indian culture and it is the responsibility of all to pass them on to the coming generations.
Special security arrangements were made during the Rath Yatra. The Municipal Corporation and Police Administration had made a strong arrangement of barricading, traffic management and cleanliness on the Yatra route, so that the devotees do not face any kind of inconvenience.
This Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath became a wonderful example of religious faith, culture and harmony in Mussoorie.
