Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 18: A colorful and mesmerizing Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was taken out here today from MA Stadium with religious fervor amid tight security. The Yatra after passing through various parts of the city culminated at Shiv Temple near main Tawi Bridge.
The Yatra was flagged off by State BJP vice-president and MLA Jammu West, Sat Sharma and organized by Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra Sanstha, Jammu.
Thousands of devotees including men, women and children from different walks of life participated in the Yatra and chanted names of the Lord Jagannath. The Rath Yatra started with magnanimous welcome of Lordships Shree Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra Devi placed on the chariot decorated with flowers.
The devotees, enroute were dancing and reciting Bhajans in praise of Lord Jagannath. Sweets, water and fruits were also served to the devotees who participated in Yatra. There was virtually a mad rush of the devotees at every point of the city to have a glimpse of the Lord Jagannath. After passing through various parts of the City of Temples, the Ratha Yatra finally culminated in the evening at Shiv Temple near main Tawi Bridge, where a mass Bhandara was organized for the devotees.
Earlier, while flagging off the Yatra, Sat Sharma (CA) said that Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is an essential part of the ritual of the Hindu system of worship and being unique among all Yatras, it is the grandest festival of the supreme divinity.
He said that the presence of thousands of people shows their devotion which has created a beautiful atmosphere in the city. He said earlier the Yatra was taken out in Jagannath Puri, Odisha but now almost every part of the country observes it and the Yatra is taken out everywhere.
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