Puri Rath Yatra: Majhi Govt Grants Two-Day Holiday For Lord Jagannath's Annual Chariot Festival In Odisha

The Odisha government has declared a two-day state holiday on July 7 and 8 to mark the upcoming Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024. This year's Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri will be a unique event taking place after 53 years. President Murmu is expected to attend the festival celebrations this year, reported news agency PTI.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during a high-level meeting to assess the preparations for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Puri, highlighted that the rare two-day festival was last celebrated in 1971. He also said that the auspicious timing of the event aligns with the maiden tenure of the BJP government in the state.

The BJP will put extra effort into making the event a grand success this year, especially after its 'Odia Asmita' poll campaign that focussed on the state's cultural identity and heritage. It was this campaign that propelled the BJP to its first electoral win in the Odisha.

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"As the Rath Yatra will be held over two days, the relevant officers should announce public holidays on these dates," Majhi said. He urged all officials to ensure the seamless execution of the festival arrangements to maintain the pride of Puri and Odisha. The meeting, which included Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with various ministers and senior officials, served as the final coordination session to ensure the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.

The Chief Minister said that President Droupadi Murmu is expected to attend the Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri. She is likely to arrive in Puri on the evening of July 6 and participate in the festival, including the chariot pulling, on July 7.

Given the convergence of significant rituals such as 'Nabajaubana Darshan,' 'Netra Utsav,' and the 'Gundicha Yatra' on July 7, Majhi called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the timely performance of rituals and the successful conclusion of the festival. Devotees, however, won't be able to experience the 'Nabajaubana Darshan' of the holy trinity this year.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, which will be held for two days, will follow the 1971 schedule this year.