Haflong Joins Nationwide Celebrations as Rath Yatra Draws Hundreds of Devotees

 

Haflong, July 16: The sacred festival of Rath Yatra was celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion across Haflong on Thursday, in keeping with the nationwide observance of the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.

The celebrations began at the Shri Shri Jagannath Temple in Haflong, where priests performed special rituals and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, marking the commencement of the festival.

Hundreds of devotees participated in the grand chariot procession, chanting "Jai Jagannath" as they pulled the beautifully decorated chariots through the town. Devotees offered prayers, received prasada, and sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Five decorated chariots were taken out from different temples and localities, including Shri Shri Jagannath Bari Mandir, Govinda Bari Mandir, Kana Basti Mandir, and other places. The colourful processions attracted large crowds, with men, women, and children dressed in traditional attire joining the celebrations with devotion and enthusiasm.

According to tradition, Lord Jagannath is believed to visit the house of His aunt during the Rath Yatra and returns to the temple after seven days. The return journey is celebrated as Phira Rath or the Return Car Festival.

Similar Rath Yatra celebrations were also held in several other parts of Dima Hasao district, where devotees gathered in large numbers to participate in the religious festivities.