Ratha Yatra celebrated in Ctg

CHATTOGRAM, June 27 (BSS): The two-hundred-year-old traditional Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev, was celebrated on Friday with due religious fervor and enthusiasm in the port city and its adjacent upazilas.

The festival began on the banks of Nandankanan Rath Pond with grand arrangements. City Mayor Dr Shahdat Hossain inaugurated the event by releasing balloons from Tulsidham and pulling the rope of the chariot on Friday. Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Balabhadra Dev were seated in the chariot during the procession.

Dr Shahdat Hossain emphasised the importance of unity and harmony in the city, saying, "Chattogram is a city of equality and harmony. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must work together for the city's development. I urge all to forget political differences and join hands to build a clean and healthy city."

The festival featured NamaJaggo, Madan Mohan Puja, Jagannath-Balabhadra-Subhadra Puja, and distribution of Maha Prasad throughout the day.