A Rath Yatra and a Bike Rally were simultaneously flagged off from Korea and Sukma districts of Chhattisgarh on Monday -- to meet on December 17 at Mata Kaushalya's birthplace near Raipur.
At various locations on the way, devotees showered flowers to welcome the procession while chanting aloud Lord Ram’s name.
The Rath Rally was held under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to celebrate the completion of two years of the Congress government.
During his exile, Lord Ram entered present day Chhattisgarh via Sitamadi-Harchauka area in Korea district and his last visit to the state was at Ramaram area of Sukma district. Hence, the Rath Yatra and Bike Rally began from both the ends simultaneously and enthusiastically.
Soil of the sacred land, Ramayana and a flag were kept in the Rath. These rallies from opposite ends of the state would cover 1,575 km of Ram Van Gaman Path before concluding on December 17.
Vice President of Surguja Development Authority and Bharatpur-Sonhat MLA Gulab Kamro and Collector S.N. Rathore flagged off the Rath and Bike Rally from Harchauka of Bharatpur development block of Korea district.
In Ramaram of Sukma district, Municipal Council Chairman Jagannath Sahu and Collector Vinit Nandanwar flagged off the Rath Yatra.
The Rath Yatra traveled about 65 km and reached Tahkwada on the border of Bastar district. More than 700 bikers and thousands of people attended the rally.