Preparations for the three- century old Jagannath Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival are on in full swing in Ranchi. The fair is set to start on July 7 and will culminate on July 17.
The festival holds immense significance for numerous devotees across the country. It symbolises the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on elaborately decorated chariots to Mausi Bari.
Jagannath Temple First Shebait and Trustee Thakur Sudhanshu Nath Sahdeo said, “It is believed that the deities develop fever after excessive bathing during Snan Yatra Mahotsava. They are then kept in isolation for 15 days until the Rath Yatra. The fair will begin from June 6 after the Netradan Mahotsava at 4:30 pm.” The Snan Yatra Mahotsava took place on June 22 this year.
On the day of the main event- July7- the district administration has also ensured the use of drones to closely monitor the entire procession. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren along with his family will be a part of the event. As per information received an invitation has also been sent to the Governor. Former CM Hemant Soren and his wife MLA Kalpana Soren, MP Sanjay Seth will also participate in the procession. MLA’s Navin Jaiswal and Rajesh Kachhap will also be present.
The Ranchi district administration will also have male and female police personnel deployed at the fair. “The entire ground will be monitored on CCTV and 5 watch towers have also been placed. A police control room has also been set up in the temple premises,” informed an official.
To ensure utmost hygiene during the monsoon season, Ranchi Municipal Corporation has already started spraying bleaching powder while separate dustbins for wet and dry garbage will also be placed by the civic body. Fire brigades will be stationed at a government school near the fair ground.
Sahdeo also added that presently the finishing touches are being given to the Rath. It is made of wood from saal, jamun and mango trees and is about 25 feet broad and 40 feet in height. “A new Rath was made last year so it is being used this year as well. Pieces of wood which had gone bad have been replaced and a fresh coat of paint has been applied.”
“The temple committee will also deploy 100 bouncers to safeguard the devotees. Arrangements for a clean drinking water facility have also been made. This time the fair will have some new installations of swings which are likely to attract a lot of revellers. In order to give our local artists a platform to showcase their talent, cultural programmes are also being organised,” added Sahdeo.
