Play store
The sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, one of the most important religious festivals of the Hindu community, will begin tomorrow, ushering in nine days of devotion, colourful processions and spiritual celebrations.
Observed annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashadha, the festival will be celebrated nationwide with elaborate rituals and cultural programmes.
In the capital, festivities will commence at the Swamibagh Temple at 8am on Thursday with an Agnihotra Yajna seeking global peace and prosperity.
The main Rath Yatra procession will set off at 3pm, travelling through key city routes before reaching the Dhakeshwari National Temple around 7pm.
The celebrations will conclude on July 25 with the Ulta Rath Yatra, marking the return journey of the chariots.
This year, the festival will be held at 128 temples and ashrams across Bangladesh under the organisation of International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Devotees believe that the blessings of Lord Jagannath, revered as the supreme lord of the universe, grant liberation and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
In keeping with tradition, idols of the deity will be carried on beautifully decorated chariots during the procession.
The nine-day programme in Dhaka includes Harinam Sankirtan, Mahaprasad distribution, religious discussions, Padavali and Aarti Kirtan, Bhagavad Katha, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, cultural performances and more.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to attend the inaugural procession as the chief guest.
According to ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Nitai Swami, the chariot procession will follow a designated route through major intersections in Dhaka before reaching its destination.
He assured that comprehensive security measures have been taken in coordination with authorities, with law enforcement agencies deployed and around 500 volunteers working to maintain order.
Apart from Dhaka, Rath Yatra processions will also take place in several temples across the country, including Old Dhaka, reflecting the festival’s deep spiritual and cultural significance.