BHUBANESWAR, July 16: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati joined the vibrant celebrations of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, taking part in one of India’s most revered religious festivals alongside lakhs of devotees who gathered to witness the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Accompanied by First Lady Jayashree Kambhampati, the Governor visited the holy city to participate in the centuries-old tradition that attracts pilgrims from across India and around the world. The festival transformed the streets of Puri into a sea of devotion as worshippers assembled to witness the deities being taken in their majestic wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
During the celebrations, Governor Kambhampati offered prayers before the Holy Trinity and sought divine blessings for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the people. He prayed for social harmony, national progress, and the welfare of humanity, expressing hope that the blessings of Lord Jagannath would inspire compassion and righteousness across society.
Speaking after participating in the sacred event, the Governor described the experience as profoundly spiritual and emotionally fulfilling. He said witnessing the Rath Yatra in person was a cherished privilege that strengthened his faith and left him deeply inspired by the devotion displayed by millions of pilgrims.
The Governor also extended heartfelt greetings to devotees celebrating the Rath Yatra in India and abroad. He noted that the festival is much more than a religious event, describing it as a symbol of unity that brings together people from different communities, cultures, and backgrounds in a shared spirit of devotion.
Highlighting the timeless significance of the festival, Kambhampati said the Rath Yatra continues to uphold values such as equality, brotherhood, compassion, and mutual respect. According to him, these ideals remain essential for building a peaceful and inclusive society where every individual can live with dignity and harmony.
He further prayed that Lord Jagannath would continue to guide humanity toward the path of truth, justice, and peaceful coexistence. The Governor expressed hope that the blessings of the deities would strengthen collective efforts to promote kindness, tolerance, and social welfare throughout the nation.
The annual Rath Yatra remains one of Odisha’s most celebrated cultural and spiritual events, drawing enormous crowds every year. The festival is renowned for its unique tradition in which the three deities travel outside the temple in elaborately decorated chariots, allowing devotees from all walks of life to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Authorities made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, with security personnel, volunteers, and administrative teams working together to manage the large gathering of pilgrims. The event concluded peacefully, reflecting the coordinated efforts of officials and the disciplined participation of devotees.
As the sacred chariots rolled through the streets of Puri amid chants of “Jai Jagannath,” the atmosphere echoed with devotion and celebration. The Governor’s participation added to the significance of the occasion, reinforcing the festival’s enduring message of faith, unity, peace, and service to humanity.