Thousands of Hindu devotees took part in Rath Yatra celebrations across Habiganj and Moulvibazar districts on Thursday (July 16), marking one of the most significant religious festivals of the Hindu community with prayers, devotional music, colourful processions and cultural programmes.

The main celebration in Habiganj was held at Sri Sri Sachi Mata Smriti Tirtha Anandadham in Bargaon village under Bahubal upazila, where devotees from different parts of the district gathered from early morning to participate in daylong religious observances.

The festival featured special puja, kirtan, bhajans, arati and religious discussions. A decorated chariot carrying the deities Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra was taken out in a colourful procession amid the chanting of hymns, the blowing of conch shells and the sounds of traditional musical instruments. Devotees enthusiastically pulled the ropes of the chariot as it moved through surrounding roads before returning to the temple premises.

Organisers said Rath Yatra symbolises devotion, spiritual unity and the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprasad was distributed among devotees, while cultural and devotional programmes continued throughout the day.

Sripad Sarbeshwar Gobinda Das Brahmachari, principal of Sri Sri Sachi Mata Smriti Tirtha Anandadham, said the festival carries a message of peace, harmony and the welfare of humanity.

Rath Yatra is not merely a religious celebration; it is a festival that promotes brotherhood, compassion and social harmony. Lord Jagannath comes among His devotees to bless all and inspire moral values and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees, pilgrims and visitors joined the Rath Yatra Mahotsav organised by the ISKCON-run Sri Sri Narsingha Jiu Temple in Habiganj district town. The temple premises and procession routes became vibrant with religious enthusiasm as devotees participated in various spiritual and cultural activities.

Sripad Uday Gaur Das Brahmachari, principal of Sri Sri Narsingha Jiu Temple, said the temple was observing a nine-day Rath Yatra Mahotsav from July 16 to July 24. The programme includes Mangal Arati, Bhagavat recitation, Harinam Sankirtan, religious discussions, Vedic drama performances, cultural events, Agnihotra Yajna, devotional music and Mahaprasad distribution.

He thanked devotees, well-wishers and the local administration for their cooperation in ensuring the successful and peaceful observance of the festival.

Rath Yatra celebrations were also held at Joypur Sachi Angan Dham in Bahubal, Dattapara Sarbajanin Kalibari Temple, Chokidar Akhra, Daragaon Tea Estate, Rashidpur Tea Estate, and various temples in Chunarughat and Nabiganj upazilas.

In neighbouring Moulvibazar district, devotees participated in Rath Yatra programmes at ISKCON Moulvibazar, ISKCON Sreemangal, Jagannath Akhra in Kulaura, Sri Sri Jagannath Jiu Temple in Bhanugach of Kamalganj, Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha ISKCON Temple, Patrakhola Tea Estate Temple and several temples and ashrams in Rajnagar.

Daylong kirtans, devotional songs, religious discussions, Mahaprasad distribution and colourful processions were organised at these venues, drawing large numbers of devotees and visitors.

Local administration, law enforcement agencies and volunteers maintained security throughout the celebrations, allowing the festivals to be observed peacefully and in a festive atmosphere across the two districts.