TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 27, 2025: Governor Shri Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai participated in the vibrant Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath held today at the Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur. Both dignitaries performed the traditional ‘Chhera Pahara’ ritual, symbolically cleaning the path with a golden broom before the chariot procession began.
The festival, closely modeled on the famous Rath Yatra of Puri, Odisha, saw the idols of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, taken out in a grand procession. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his heartfelt wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh, highlighting the festival’s significance as a cultural bridge between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
“This festival holds as much importance for Chhattisgarh as it does for Odisha. Lord Jagannath is the protector of our farmers. It is his grace that brings timely rains, fills the paddy fields, and ensures prosperity in our homes. I pray for a bumper crop this year and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra for peace, prosperity, and happiness for all,” said the Chief Minister.
The ritual of Chera Pahara, a revered tradition where the road is swept before the chariot, was performed with a golden broom by the Chief Minister, marking the start of the Rath Yatra. The festival reflects the deep cultural ties and unbreakable partnership between Utkal culture and the South Kosal region of Chhattisgarh.
According to temple priests, the original abode of Lord Jagannath is believed to be Shivrinarayan Tirtha in Chhattisgarh — a historic site where Lord Shri Ram accepted sweet berries from Mother Shabari in the Treta Yuga. Today, the grand temple of Nar-Narayan stands at this sacred place.
Among those present at the festival were Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, MP Shri Brijmohan Agarwal, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Dharmalal Kaushik, along with many other dignitaries and a large gathering of devotees. The First Lady of the state, Smt. Rani Deka Kakoti, also participated in the worship rituals.
The Rath Yatra festival continues to strengthen cultural bonds and foster a sense of community and devotion among the people of Chhattisgarh.
