Patna: The Iskcon Temple in Patna will organise its annual rath yatra of Lord Jagannath on July 16, with preparations already underway for one of the city’s biggest religious events. More than two lakh devotees from Patna and nearby districts are expected to participate in the procession, which will feature several attractions, including a 40-foot hydraulic chariot, crane-assisted offering of 108 varieties of ‘bhog’, flower showers, and elaborate ‘rangoli’ displays.The centrepiece of this year’s celebration will be a 40-foot-high hydraulic chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Equipped with modern technology, the chariot’s height can be adjusted instantly to safely pass under overhead power lines, poles and tree branches along the procession route.A special highlight of the event will be the offering of 108 varieties of bhog, which will be lifted onto the chariot using a crane. Devotional groups from Vrindavan and Mayapur will also participate, leading continuous bhajans and kirtans from 12 noon to 9pm.Special prayers and a grand ‘aarti’ will be held at the Iskcon Temple on Budh Marg from 1pm to 2pm, following which the Rath Yatra will begin. The procession will pass through the Planetarium, Income Tax roundabout, Patna high court, Bihar Museum, Patna Women’s College, Kotwali police station, Dak Bungalow crossing and Mauryalok Complex before returning to the temple.The entire route will be decorated with floral arrangements and colourful rangoli created by artists from Patna as well as other parts of India and abroad. Devotees and the deities will also be showered with flowers throughout the procession.Mahaprasad will be distributed to devotees after the procession concludes.Appealing to devotees to participate in large numbers, Iskcon Temple Management Committee (TMC) co-chairmen Raman Manohar Das and Adikarta Das said pulling the rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. TMC member Radha Pati Charan Das and Venu Vinod Das were also present during the announcement of the event.
