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The grand festival of Shri Shri Jagannath Dev’s Rath Yatra, one of the most significant religious events for followers of Sanatan Dharma, will be celebrated today, Friday, with fervor across Dhaka and the country. The procession, organized by ISKCON Swamibagh Ashram, will commence at 3:00 PM from Swamibagh and conclude at the Dhakeshwari National Temple.
The vibrant procession will be inaugurated at 2:30 PM by Gokul V. Ker, First Secretary (Political) of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, according to ISKCON sources. While ten separate Rath Yatra processions are scheduled across the capital, ISKCON’s event remains the focal point. Preparations have been completed, with ISKCON expecting over a lakh devotees to participate.
As per Sanatan tradition, the Rath Yatra is held annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Ashadh month. Addressing the media on Wednesday, ISKCON Bangladesh General Secretary Charuchandra Das Brahmachari announced a nine-day festival program from June 27 to July 5. The events include Agnihotra Yagna, discussion sessions, cultural programs, Padavali Kirtan, and religious dramas. The festivities will begin with an Agnihotra Yagna from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM today at Swamibagh Ashram.
The procession will start from Swamibagh Ashram, passing through Joykali Mandir, Ittefaq Mor, Shapla Chattar, Dainik Bangla Mor, the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque, Paltan Mor, National Press Club, Kadam Foara, High Court Mazar, Doel Chattar, Central Shaheed Minar, Jagannath Hall, and Palashi Mor, before reaching Dhakeshwari National Temple. On July 5, at 3:00 PM, the return procession (Ulto Rath) will follow the same route in reverse, concluding at Swamibagh Ashram, marking the end of the festival.
Charuchandra Das Brahmachari stated that the interim government and administration have assured cooperation for a smooth celebration, with adequate security measures in place. ISKCON’s trained volunteers will also ensure safety during the procession. According to the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, apart from ISKCON’s event, nine other locations in Dhaka, including Dayaganj, Shankharibazar, Tantibazar, and Goalnagar, will host separate Rath Yatras. ISKCON Bangladesh noted that the festival will be celebrated at their 128 temples and ashrams across the country, alongside other temples.
AI/MR
