CHATTOGRAM, July 7, 2024 (BSS) - Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev which is one of the major festivals of the Hindus, was celebrated today in port city and its adjacent upazilas of the district with due religious fervor and enthusiasm.

In observance of the festival, different religious bodies and temple committees drew up various programmes.

 
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) Probartak Sanga chalked out a nine-day programme in the port city and it will end through Ulto Ratha Yatra (reverse journey) celebration on July 15.

Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud virtually inaugurated the nine-day Ratha Jatra function as the chief guest in the city's Probartak Sangha crossing this afternoon.

City Mayor Reazaul Karim Chowdhury, former city Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, ISKCON Chattogram district General Secretary Chinmoy Krisna Das and leaders of different religious organizations, professional bodies and public representatives attended the function.

A colorful procession was brought out from Probartak crossing carrying images and idols of Sri Jagannath Dev, his brother Sri Balaram and sister Srimati Subhadra on three largely built Rathas (chariots).

Another procession in which chariots of Sree Jagannath (other name of Lord Krishno) were pulled from Nandankanon after parading different city thoroughfares.

With colourful banners, festoons, male and female devotees in traditional dresses assembled at Nandankanon Tulshidham intersection from different corners of the city.