Kumar Bahukhandi
Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai perform the sacred Chhera Pahara ritual with ceremonial brooms before the Jagannath Rath Yatra begins at Gayatri Nagar, Raipur, praying for prosperity, timely rainfall, and the well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh.-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
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- Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participate in the sacred Rath Yatra at Raipur’s Gayatri Nagar Jagannath Temple
- Traditional Chhera Pahara ritual performed; prayers offered for abundant rainfall, prosperous farmers, and the well-being of the people
Raipur : The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Raipur emerged as a powerful celebration of faith, culture, and community participation as Governor Shri Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined thousands of devotees at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar on Thursday July 16, 2026 ..
The dignitaries offered prayers before Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, seeking peace, prosperity, good health, and harmony for the people of Chhattisgarh. The temple complex resonated with Vedic chants, devotional hymns, and the enthusiastic chants of devotees as the deities were ceremonially brought to the beautifully decorated chariot.
A major highlight of the celebration was the observance of the sacred Chhera Pahara ritual. Following centuries-old tradition, Governor Deka and Chief Minister Sai symbolically swept the path before the chariot with golden ceremonial brooms, signifying humility, equality, and selfless service before the Almighty. The ritual reflects the timeless belief that no individual, irrespective of status or position, is above the divine.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the Rath Yatra as much more than a religious procession. He said the festival represents the living spirit of faith, folk traditions, social harmony, and people’s participation. According to him, such cultural celebrations strengthen the social fabric while preserving India’s rich spiritual heritage.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the deep connection between Lord Jagannath and the farming community. He noted that the deity is revered as a protector of agriculture and prayed for timely monsoon rains, healthy crops, abundant harvests, and prosperity for farmers across the state. He expressed hope that Chhattisgarh would continue its journey of development and collective well-being under the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The Governor and the Chief Minister extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion, emphasizing that the Rath Yatra conveys timeless values of service, equality, devotion, and collective welfare. They observed that festivals rooted in tradition also play a vital role in promoting unity, social cohesion, and mutual respect among communities.
Raipur’s Gayatri Nagar Jagannath Temple has become a prominent centre for celebrating the Rath Yatra in a manner inspired by the world-famous Puri tradition. Every year, the festival attracts thousands of devotees and reinforces the enduring cultural ties between Chhattisgarh and neighbouring Odisha. The celebration reflects the shared heritage of Utkal culture and the historic traditions of Dakshin Kosal, making the Rath Yatra an important bridge of cultural unity.
Among those present were Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Purandar Mishra, heads of various state boards and commissions, senior public representatives, members of social and religious organisations, and a large gathering of devotees who participated with devotion and enthusiasm.
