ANGUL (India CSR): The Rath Yatra festival at Devboomi, Jindal Nagar, was celebrated with deep devotion, meticulously adhering to the traditional rituals of the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Chariots Begin Journey

The grand event drew thousands of devotees from far and wide. The majestic chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalan, and Nandighosh, representing Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath respectively—embarked on their sacred annual journey from the Jagannath Temple in Devboomi to the Gundicha Temple within the township.

Jindal Family Participates

Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing the Kurukshetra Constituency for the third term and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power, along with his wife Smt. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, and his mother Smt. Savitri Jindal, MLA from Hisar and Chairperson Emeritus of the O.P. Jindal Group, actively participated as prime servitors in this divine celebration.

Rituals Observed Faithfully

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Naveen Jindal took part in the ‘Pahandi Vidhi’ and performed Chherapanhara, the ritualistic sweeping of the path for the Lord’s chariots.

Devotion and Message

Expressing his devotion and gratitude on this auspicious occasion, Naveen Jindal said, “I offer my prayers to the Almighty for bestowing His divine blessings upon us all. This is a festival where everyone is equal—there is no distinction between the wealthy and the poor. We come together to pull the chariots and receive the blessings of the Lord of the Universe, Lord Shree Jagannath. On behalf of the Jindal family, I wish everyone a joyous and blessed Rath Yatra.”

Ongoing Devotee Services

Responding to Media, Jindal mentioned about the on-going hot cooked meals and Chilled Drinking water services by Jindal Foundation to the devotees at Puri which will continue up to Sunabesa . “We are fortunate to serve the devotees at Jagannath Dham Puri consecutively for 11 Years ” said Sri Jindal

Rituals Performed Traditionally

All rituals, including Netra Lagi, Nava Jauban Darshan, Mangal Aarati, Tadap Lagi, Pahandi, and more, were performed strictly in accordance with Vedic traditions.

Women Lead Devotion

With deep reverence for Mahaprabhu Jagannath Sri Chaturdhamurti, the Jindal family participated in the early morning rituals under the guidance of the Chief Priest, Sri Srikant Ji. A key highlight of the festival was the enthusiastic participation of girls and women, who performed the Pahandi and exclusively pulled the chariot of Mahadevi Subhadra with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Community Joins Celebrations

Pankaj Malhan, Location Head – Angul, Mr. Damodar Mittal, Executive Director, along with their families, other officials, employees, and thousands from the community, actively took part in the procession and chariot pulling, adding grandeur and collective spirit to the celebration.

Virtual Devotion Enabled

To ensure maximum outreach, the Rath Yatra was live-streamed on YouTube, allowing thousands of devotees to witness the divine procession virtually.

Celebrations Conclude Soon

The celebrations will continue in Jindal Nagar Township until 8th July, culminating with Niladri Bije, when the Chaturdhamurti Mahaprabhu returns to the Ratna Singhashan in the Jagannath Temple at Devboomi.

(India CSR)