Jamshedpur/Bokaro/Hazaribag/ Dhanbad: Devotion, vibrant processions and massive public participation marked Rath Yatra celebrations across Jharkhand on Thursday, as thousands of devotees thronged streets to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” and “Hari Bol”.In Jamshedpur, the city wore a festive look as devotees participated in Rath Yatras organised by various committees. The largest procession, led by ISKCON, began from Andhra Bhakta Shri Ram Mandiram in Bistupur and concluded near Sakchi roundabout. Towering chariots, decorated idols and devotional music created a spiritual atmosphere. Similar processions in Jugsalai, Parsudih, Golmuri, Kadma and Beldih Jagannath Temple drew large crowds. A 51-member devotional band from Ramgarh made its debut during the celebrations.In Bokaro Steel City, thousands joined the annual Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple in Sector IV. Before the procession commenced, Bokaro Steel Plant director-in-charge Priya Ranjan performed the traditional Chhera Panhara ritual by ceremonially sweeping the chariot. The procession passed through key city locations before reaching Ram Mandir. Several social organisations distributed water, fruits and refreshments to devotees along the route.Hazaribag witnessed its first-ever ISKCON Rath Yatra, with devotees pulling the chariot through major roads of the town before the procession culminated at DVC Ground. The district also saw large-scale celebrations in Chauparan, Silwar and Barkatha. Organisers in Chauparan claimed that over 50,000 devotees participated, making it one of the biggest Rath Yatra gatherings in the district. The event featured Odia folk performances, tribal cultural presentations and participation of ISKCON devotees from abroad.In Dhanbad, a grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced from Steel Gate, drawing thousands of devotees amid the chants of “Jai Jagannath”. The beautifully decorated chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra made its way through the city. The procession was accompanied by devotional songs, kirtans, and traditional rituals, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere throughout the route.To ensure the comfort of devotees, volunteers arranged drinking water, sherbet, and prasad at several locations along the procession route. Adequate police deployment was also made to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth conduct of the event.ISKCON Dhanbad president Prem Das said that the Rath Yatra halted at seven different locations across the city, where eminent citizens and devotees welcomed the deities and offered bhog with traditional rituals. He added that the sacred festival witnessed overwhelming public participation, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted faith and devotion.Across the state, devotees lined roads to shower flower petals on the chariots, while volunteers set up food, water and medical assistance stalls. Police and civil authorities made elaborate security and traffic arrangements, ensuring that celebrations concluded peacefully.(Compiled by B Sridhar, Divy Khare, Vishvendu Jaipuriar, and Sharad Chandra)
