Photo : BSS

NAOGAON, July 16, 2026 (BSS) - A nine-day Rath Yatra festival, one of the major religious celebrations of the Hindu community, began here today in the district with colorful festivities.

The procession was inaugurated at 10am today under the auspices of the Sri Sri Bura Kali Mata Temple Committee. Accompanied by traditional drums, conch shells and ululation, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra were taken in a ceremonial chariot procession. The procession started from the Old Goruhati area of the town and concluded at the Sri Sri Bura Kali Mata Temple.

Organizers said the chariot would be pulled for a second time at 5:00 pm. The day's celebrations began with various religious rituals and ceremonies, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors.

According to Hindu tradition, on this auspicious occasion Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra travel in their respective chariots from their temple to their maternal aunt’s house for a week. This symbolic journey is celebrated as the Rath Yatra. Hindu scriptures hold that pulling the ropes of the chariot brings spiritual merit to the devotees.

The Rath Yatra has been observed in the Kalitala area of the town for nearly a century under the initiative of the Sri Sri Bura Kali Mata Temple Committee. According to traditional belief, Lord Jagannath, identified with Lord Krishna, is taken from Nilachal to Sundarachal during the festival, where he stays with the people of Braja for eight days.

Many devotees not only pull the ropes of the chariot but also keep small pieces of the rope as sacred amulets. They believe these amulets protect against misfortune, illness and evil influences and are often worn by both children and adults.

Hindus believe that Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe and that devotion to him leads to spiritual liberation. This belief forms the basis of the centuries-old tradition of carrying the deity on the ceremonial chariot during the festival.

A traditional rural fair has also been organized on the premises of the Sri Sri Bura Kali Mata Temple to mark the nine-day festival. Devotees from different parts of the district, along with visitors from other faiths, are attending the celebrations.

Among others, Naogaon District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rahman Ripon, Sri Sri Bura Kali Mata Temple Committee President Nirod Baran Saha Chandan, local dignitaries and thousands of devotees, were present during the inauguration.

Talking to BSS, Nirod Baran Saha Chandan said that Harinam Sankirtan and recitations from the Bhagavad Gita were held before the procession, with prayers for world peace and the well-being of humanity. 

He said the Rath Yatra has been celebrated in the area for around 60 years and that the nine-day fair features sweet shops and various amusement rides for the visitors.