Bhubaneswar: As millions of devotees celebrated the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath on Thursday, top leaders of the country extended greetings.
They prayed for peace, prosperity, unity, and the well-being of all.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Rath Yatra as a radiant expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage.
In a post on X, he said the centuries-old traditions associated with the festival have inspired generations across India and the world, embodying the values of humility, collective participation and selfless service.
Praying for the well-being of all, the PM also wished that Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness, and prosperity. He also expressed hope that the Lord’s divine grace would give people strength in all their endeavours and further strengthen the spirit of togetherness in society.
Similarly, President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her greetings to devotees of Lord Jagannath living in India and abroad. Describing the Rath Yatra as a unique festival symbolising the union between the devotee and the deity, she said Mahaprabhu Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Chakraraj Sudarshan, comes out among devotees during the sacred procession.
The president also prayed to Lord Jagannath for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the nation and its people.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said the sacred Rath Yatra reflects the values of faith, devotion, equality and collective harmony, bringing people together beyond all differences.
In a post on X, he described the festival as a vibrant celebration of India’s rich civilisational ethos and enduring spiritual traditions.
He prayed that the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath inspire everyone to follow the path of righteousness while strengthening peace, unity and collective resolve across the country.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also extended his greetings to devotees, saying the holy chariot festival reinforces the ideals of faith, unity, equality, brotherhood and humanity. He prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all through the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi greeted the people of Odisha and devotees of Lord Jagannath across the world on the sacred occasion. Calling Mahaprabhu Jagannath the ultimate symbol of universal brotherhood and equality, he said the Rath Yatra transcends barriers of caste, creed, religion and discrimination, bringing people together in devotion.
The CM also prayed that, with the blessings of the presiding deity of Odisha, the state continues on the path of progress while every citizen is blessed with happiness, peace and prosperity.
BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also extended his greetings on X, wishing that Lord Jagannath’s blessings fill every home with happiness, peace and prosperity.
