Jagannath’s Chariot to roll through Digha for the first time: Coastal town brims with festive fervour

BI News, Kolkata, June 4: For the first time ever, the sacred wheels of Lord Jagannath’s chariot will roll through the coastal town of Digha, West Bengal, as it gears up to host its inaugural Rath Yatra this year. The festive atmosphere is already electric, with both International, National tourists and locals anticipating a massive turnout.

The chariot-making process is underway with military-like urgency. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to inaugurate the Rath Yatra in Digha. In a nod to the traditional rituals observed in Puri, the Digha procession will also begin with the ceremonial sweeping of the path using a golden broom—an offering made possible by a substantial financial grant from the Chief Minister herself.

The Jagannath temple in Digha, which opened its doors to devotees on March 31, has since witnessed a steady stream of visitors. Authorities expect this footfall to swell dramatically during the Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 27. The district police and administration are already assessing security arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth event.

Like in Puri, the Digha procession will feature three separate chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, who will journey to their 'Mashir Bari' or Aunt’s House. The event is expected to draw a wave of pilgrims and tourists to the seaside town, giving a significant boost to local tourism and business.

Meanwhile, the historical Mahishadal Rath Yatra in East Midnapore, another major attraction in West Bengal, is also generating excitement. Considered one of the oldest in the state after Puri and Mahesh, Mahishadal’s chariot carries the family deity of the royal lineage—Shri Gopal Jiu—alongside Lord Jagannath, but notably excludes Balabhadra and Subhadra. The event's popularity has been steadily growing, adding to the fervor around East Midnapore’s dual Rath Yatra celebrations this year.

PC: Web Soruces