North East Delhi MP and BJP leader Manoj Tiwari participated in the first day of the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.
Tiwari shared his experience on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he posted a video from the event and expressed his spiritual joy.
He wrote, “Jai Jagannath… Today I joined the divine Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath… Incredible enthusiasm in the scorching heat… On the roads of Delhi with Odia brothers and sisters.”
His words captured the emotion of unity and shared devotion during the auspicious event.
जय जगन्नाथ.. आज भगवान जगन्नाथ की रथयात्रा में भाग लिया.. चिलचिलाती धूप में अद्भुत उत्साह.. दिल्ली की सड़कों पर.. उड़िया भाई बहनों के साथ.. #RathYatra #RathYatraFestival #JaiJagannath pic.twitter.com/6nYy4KETXc
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariMP) June 27, 2025
Grand start to the Rath Yatra
The iconic Rath Yatra in Puri commenced at 4 PM on Friday with immense devotion and fanfare.
As per tradition, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra was pulled first, followed by those of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath.
On the first day, devotees managed to pull Lord Balabhadra’s chariot about 200 metres. Some distance was also covered for Subhadra and Jagannath’s chariots before the ritual was paused.
As pulling of chariots is not permitted after sunset, the Yatra will resume the following day.
During the procession, an ambulance became stuck in the crowd.
In a remarkable display of cooperation, devotees formed a human chain to clear the path, demonstrating the spirit of service and care that marks this festival.
Unfortunately, over 600 pilgrims sustained injuries amid the dense gathering and were admitted to Puri Medical Hospital for treatment.
Authorities remain on alert to manage the large influx of devotees and ensure their safety.
Yatra to continue to Gundicha Temple
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to proceed towards the Gundicha Temple on Saturday, covering a distance of approximately 3 kilometres.
Lord Jagannath, along with Subhadra and Balabhadra, will stay at the Gundicha Temple—considered the residence of their maternal aunt—for nine days.
The return journey to the main temple is set for July 5, marking the conclusion of the revered festival.
Celebrations in Ahmedabad
Simultaneously, in Ahmedabad, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra reached the Jamalpur temple at 9 PM.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Mangala Aarti at 4 AM, followed by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagging off the procession.
The Rath Yatra, both in Puri and Ahmedabad, continues to inspire millions with its spiritual grandeur and deep-rooted cultural legacy.
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