Dhaka: The nine-day Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath, one of the most significant religious festivals for Hindus, concluded today with the pulling of ropes for the Ulto Rath, marking the end of the festival that began on July 16. The Ulto Rath Yatra represents the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to their main temple after a nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple. Spiritually, it is seen as the journey of the soul back to its divine source after traversing the material world.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, various religious organizations and temples organized numerous religious events to commemorate the festival. The day's programs commenced in the morning with traditional rituals, including Harinam Sankirtan, Agnihotri Joggo for world peace and prosperity, the distribution of Mahaprasad, and cultural performances, alongside discussions and recitations from the Bhagabata Purana and Shrimad Bhagabata Gita.
In Dhaka, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) held a grand procession in the afternoon to celebrate the Ulto Rath Yatra. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, as the chief guest, addressed a discussion event at the premises of Dhakeshwari National Temple, marking the inauguration. ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Bhaktimoy Nitai Swami chaired the event.
Following the discussion, Dhaka South City Corporation administrator Abdus Salam inaugurated the grand procession of the Ulto Ratha Yatra, featuring three large chariots carrying the images of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balarama. The procession journeyed through several iconic locations in Dhaka, including Palashi Moor, Jagannath Hall, and Central Shaheed Minar, before concluding at the Swamibagh ISKCON Temple.
According to Hindu tradition, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath starts each year on the second day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashar. This tradition originated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, and is also observed in Bangladesh as a sacred Hindu festival.
Jashomadhab Dev's Rath Yatra in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka district is noted as one of the oldest celebrations in the country. The port city of Chattogram and the sacred city of Sylhet also witnessed large celebrations of the Ratha Yatra, alongside Dhaka. Moreover, Return Rath Yatra celebrations were held at various temples, including the Jagannath Jiu Thakur Temple in Tantibazar and Ram-Sita Temple on Joy Kali Road, as well as numerous other temples across Bangladesh.