Digha Rath Yatra kicks off with political war over chariots between TMC and BJP

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the first ‘Rath Yatra’ from the newly constructed Jagannath temple in the coastal town of Digha. LoP Suvendu Adhikari participated in Rath Yatra in three different places in the State

The Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday organised separate Rath Yatra celebrations in West Bengal, engaging in a competition of sorts.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the first ‘Rath Yatra’ from the newly constructed ₹250-crore Jagannath Temple in the coastal town of Digha. Thousands of devotees participated in the event.

“It was a profoundly emotional, soul-stirring, and awe-inspiring experience to be part of the Rath Yatra celebrations at the newly consecrated Jagannath Dham in Digha. The sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense wafting through the air, and the chants of ‘Joy Jagannath’ created an atmosphere of divine grace and spiritual unity,” Ms. Banerjee posted on social media.

The Chief Minister, during the Rath Yatra, appealed through a public address system to allow devotees touch the ropes of all three chariots from inside the barricades along the 750-metre procession route from the main temple.

Not only devotees from the State, but those from different countries staying at 40-odd ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) centres participated and danced for hours in front of the chariots to the devotional chants of ‘Hare Ram, Hare Krishna.

Controversy

In the prelude to the festival, the West Bengal government distributed prasad (offering) across the State, allegedly spending ₹42 crore. The construction of Jagannath Temple in Digha, which mirrors the 12th century Puri’s Jagannath temple, has triggered controversy with the BJP government in Odisha urging West Bengal government not to use “Jagannath Dham” while referring to the Digha temple.

The BJP leadership in West Bengal, which opposed the construction of the temple, also participated in the Rath Yatra. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari participated in the Rath Yatra at three places.

“I feel fortunate to have participated in the Rath Yatra festivities of Mahaprabhu Jagannath Dev across three sacred venues today. Joined the All India Kirtan Baul and Devotional Songs Welfare Trust’s grand event at Central Avenue, Kolkata, thereafter offered prayers at Sri Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu Mandir in Tamluk, Purba Medinipur, and sought blessings at Sri Sri Shankhananda Jagannath Mandir, ISKCON Mecheda in Purba Medinipur,” Mr. Adhikari said.

The BJP leader also said that he distributed ‘maha prasad’ from the sacred pilgrimage of Puri Jagannath Dham to the devotees.