Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Kaushalya Sai offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, perform the sacred Chhera Pahara ritual, and participate in the historic Rath Yatra at Dokra village in Jashpur district on Thursday July 16, 2026 , invoking peace, prosperity and well-being for the people of Chhattisgarh-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
In Short
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performed the traditional role of the Gajapati Maharaja at Dokra Rath Yatra.
- Observed the sacred Chhera Pahara ritual with a golden broom and holy water.
- Pulled Lord Jagannath’s chariot along with thousands of devotees.
- Described Dokra’s Rath Yatra, celebrated since 1942, as a symbol of faith and cultural heritage.
- Highlighted Chhattisgarh’s historic connection with Jagannath culture through Devbhog rice used in Puri’s Mahaprasad.
- Spoke about welfare schemes, railway expansion, digital governance and the proposed medical college for Jashpur.
Pulls the Chariot of Lord Jagannath, Performs Chera Pahara Ritual, Prays for Peace, Prosperity and Well-being of Chhattisgarh
Raipur : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the historic Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra Mahotsav-2026 at Dokra village in Kansabel block of Jashpur district, where he observed the revered traditions associated with the annual Rath Yatra. Accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Sai, the Chief Minister performed rituals traditionally associated with the Gajapati Maharaja, offering prayers before Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh.
Ancient Ritual of Humility and Service
In keeping with the sacred Chhera Pahara tradition, Shri Sai ceremonially swept the path before the chariot with a golden broom and sprinkled sandalwood-mixed holy water. The ritual, regarded as a symbol of humility, equality and selfless service, was followed by the ceremonial pulling of Lord Jagannath’s chariot along with thousands of devotees.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Kaushalya Sai offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, perform the sacred Chhera Pahara ritual, and participate in the historic Rath Yatra at Dokra village in Jashpur district on Thursday July 16, 2026 , invoking peace, prosperity and well-being for the people of Chhattisgarh-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
The atmosphere in Dokra echoed with chants of “Jai Jagannath”, devotional songs, conch shells and traditional kirtans as devotees joined the grand procession.
A Living Heritage Since 1942
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described Dokra’s Rath Yatra as a living symbol of faith, culture and Sanatan traditions. He noted that the annual celebration has continued uninterrupted since 1942, preserving a rich religious heritage for generations.
He also recalled that the Jagannath Temple was renovated through public participation and, following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in 2025, this year’s procession marked the second grand Rath Yatra after the temple’s restoration.
Expressing gratitude to the residents of Dokra, Shri Sai said it was an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of performing the Gajapati Maharaja tradition.
Chhattisgarh’s Historic Bond with Jagannath Culture
The Chief Minister highlighted the centuries-old cultural connection between Chhattisgarh and Lord Jagannath, noting that rice from Devbhog continues to be used in the preparation of the revered Mahaprasad at Puri, reflecting the enduring spiritual relationship between the two regions.
Development Initiatives Highlighted
While addressing devotees, Shri Sai also outlined key welfare initiatives of the state government. He said that more than 11 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas houses have been completed in the state under the Prime Minister’s guarantees.
He noted that 29 instalments of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana have already been released, while thousands of devotees have benefited from the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme. He added that the government is also giving priority to the development of important religious destinations across the state.
The Chief Minister further announced that the electricity surcharge waiver scheme has been extended by another three months to provide relief to consumers. He said the Chief Minister Helpline 1076 is ensuring round-the-clock grievance redressal, while Atal Digital Service Centres are delivering banking facilities and more than 520 government services directly to rural citizens.
Jashpur Set for Better Connectivity
CM Sai said important steps are underway to connect Jashpur district to the railway network. He referred to the approval of the Dharamjaigarh-Lohardaga Rail Project, which is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity.
He also said that the sanction of a Medical College in Jashpur would strengthen healthcare services and expand opportunities for higher education in the district.
Thousands Join the Spiritual Celebration
The Rath Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees across the region. Renowned kirtan groups from Odisha performed devotional music throughout the procession, while the sounds of drums, cymbals, mridangam and conch shells created a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Women, youth, children and senior citizens joined the celebration in large numbers, transforming the event into a vibrant expression of faith, tradition and community participation.
Padma Shri awardee Jageshwar Yadav, District Panchayat Chairman Salik Sai, Commissioner Narendra Dugga, IG Deepak Kumar Jha, members of the Shri Jagannath Temple Organising Committee and thousands of devotees were present on the occasion.
