Jharkhand Government’s, Finance and Food Supply Minister, Dr Rameshwar Oraon on Sunday, offered prayers at Lord Jagannath Temple in State Capital and reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Rath Mela.

  On the occasion Oraon said that due to the global pandemic Corona infection, the Rath Mela could not be organized grandly for two-three years, but this time the Rath Mela should be organized with old tradition and grandeur, all necessary cooperation will be done by the Government. He said that the Rath Yatra has religious importance as well as social and cultural importance. “Lakhs of devotees come for the Rath Yatra on June 20. Best wishes to all from my side and from the Government,” he added.

The Minister said that he had participated in the Jagannath Rath Yatra for the first time in 1974, after that he continued to get the opportunity to come here on many occasions and in marriage functions of acquaintances. He prayed to Lord Jagannath, brother Balarama and sister Subhadra for the prosperity of the people of the state.

Oraon also prayed for the better life and economic stability of the people and the end of poverty. After worshiping, he also met the local artisans engaged in the preparation of Rath Yatra and also took photographs with the chariot and assured them of all possible help and also expressed satisfaction over the work being done on the chariot.

PASWA State President, Alok Kumar Dubey said that he has been participating in the Rath Yatra every time, but due to Corona, the Rath Yatra did not take place for the last two years, due to which there was disappointment among the people, this time the whole State is concerned about the Rath Yatra. The devotees of Jagannath Swamy are excited, he added.

PASWA Vice President, Lal Kishore Nath Shahdev said that people from every corner of the State participate in the Rath Yatra. Lord Jagannath's journey will be taken out with full pomp and enthusiasm, he added.
 
 Oraon also met President of Ranchi Mahanagar Kali Puja Committee, Vinay Singh, Bablu Burma, President of Ram Navami Puja Committee, Doranda, Radheshyam Vijay, Social Worker, Gauri Shankar Yadav, Abhishek Sahu, Sanjit Yadav, Kumud Ranjan, Aniket Raj, Karan Singh, Mahendra Prasad, Ramji Singh, Many journalists including Rahul Kumar, Suraj Kumar, Pramod Mishra were also honored for their excellent work.

Thakur Sudhanshu Nath Shahdeo, the first worshipper of the Jagannathpur temple and a member of the trust, met the Finance Minister and handed over a request letter related to the success of the Rath Yatra and giving due respect to the martyred families. Other members of the committee also met the minister and sought cooperation for the special facility of the temple.