PM Modi & Leaders Extend Warm Wishes As Rath Yatra Begins In Puri

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the first to convey their greetings on the sacred occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Celebrated with deep devotion, the festival sees the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra through the streets of Puri in Odisha and in cities across India, including Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Message from the President

Taking to social media, President Murmu extended her heartfelt wishes to devotees in India and abroad.

She reflected on the spiritual significance of witnessing the divine deities—Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshan Chakra—mounted on majestic chariots.

“The human-like divine play of these godly forms is the speciality of the Rath Yatra,” she wrote, praying for peace, affection, and global harmony.

PM Modi’s greetings

Prime Minister Modi also posted his message on social media, wishing the country joy, prosperity, and health.

“On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival bring happiness, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone’s life,” he said.

Other leaders join in

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the cultural richness of the Yatra, especially in Gujarat.

He expressed hopes for universal progress and well-being through Lord Jagannath’s blessings.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, currently attending the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in China, also sent his prayers.

“May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with happiness, good health, peace, and prosperity,” he posted.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari echoed similar sentiments, praying for unity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.

He described the Rath Yatra as a divine chariot festival that deepens devotion and inspires unity.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his commitment to India’s cultural and religious traditions, also offered his blessings.

He wished that the Yatra brings joy, service, and harmony to all.

The Rath Yatra commemorates the annual ceremonial journey of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they reside for a week before returning.

The festival is a celebration of divine grace and inclusivity, drawing lakhs of pilgrims and viewers each year.

As chariots roll forward to chants and cheers, the spiritual rhythm of Rath Yatra unites people across faiths and geographies, embodying India’s vibrant devotion and cultural heritage.

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