BALCO Deputy CEO Niket Srivastava joins devotees in pulling the chariot as the nine-day festival begins with religious rituals, cultural performances and community participation.
TFP Bureau, Korba, July 16,2026: Thousands of devotees participated in the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by the Balconagar Utkal Bharati Samiti on Thursday, marking the beginning of one of the region’s most significant religious and cultural festivals.
The celebrations witnessed the participation of senior BALCO officials, including Deputy CEO (Metal) Niket Srivastava, along with employees, their families and a large number of local residents. Following traditional rituals, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra were ceremonially placed on a beautifully decorated chariot before the grand procession commenced.
Mr. Srivastava offered prayers for peace and prosperity and joined devotees in pulling the sacred chariot, a symbolic act of devotion during the festival. The procession echoed with chants of “Jai Jagannath”, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere throughout Balconagar.
Adding colour to the celebrations, a Karma dance troupe led the procession with vibrant cultural performances, while traditional musical instruments, devotional songs and bhajan-kirtan filled the air with festive fervour.
The Rath Yatra began from the Ram Mandir and passed through the major roads of Balconagar before culminating at the Shri Gundicha Temple at Ramlila Maidan. The deities were ceremonially installed at the temple, where special prayers were offered by priests and devotees.
According to the organising committee, a series of religious programmes, including daily worship, bhajan-kirtan, Mahaprasad distribution and other spiritual activities, will be held at the Shri Gundicha Temple from July 16 to July 24.
Organisers said the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra has been celebrated continuously in Balconagar for the past 45 years, making it a cherished tradition in the region. Besides its religious significance, the festival has evolved into an important platform for promoting social harmony, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community participation.
