Agartala, June 27: The week-long Rath Yatra celebrations began in Tripura on Friday with grandeur and spiritual fervor, as thousands of devotees gathered across the state to witness the grand chariot processions of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
In Agartala and other towns, the streets came alive with hymns, traditional music, and colorful processions. Children enthusiastically participated by pulling miniature wooden chariots carrying images of the deities, reflecting deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Temples affiliated with the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect, including ISKCON and Gaudiya Math, observed the festival on a grand scale, organizing multiple chariot processions. In Agartala city, three major Rath Yatra festivals were held by the Hare Krishna Temple, ISKCON Agartala, and Jagannath Jiu Temple. Thousands of devotees joined each Yatra along designated routes.
Prominent political leaders also took part in the festivities. Former Chief Minister and current West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb attended celebrations at Jogendranagar Adarsha Colony, Bamutia Gour Nitai Sangha, and Baikhora ISKCON.
At the ISKCON temple in Agartala, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, Ministers Tinku Roy and Sushanta Chowdhury, Mayor Dipak Majumder, and acting Zilla Sabhadhipati Biswajit Sil jointly inaugurated the celebrations.
Addressing devotees, Biplab Kumar Deb said that despite historical attempts by rulers and political regimes to suppress India’s cultural traditions, festivals like Rath Yatra continue to flourish. “This reflects the strength and resilience of Indian heritage,” he said.
Elaborate security measures were in place, with over 600 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across Agartala to ensure a peaceful celebration. No untoward incidents were reported. Traffic advisories were issued to prevent congestion along the chariot routes, ensuring smooth conduct of the festivities.
