HT Correspondent
HAFLONG, June 20: In sync with the rest of the country, the highly anticipated day of ‘Holy Rath Yatra’ was celebrated in Haflong, Dima Hasao, on Tuesday with great enthusiasm. The festivities commenced at the Sri Jagannath Temple in Haflong, where rituals and prayers were offered to Lord Jagannath.
A grand procession took place, featuring a chariot carrying the revered deity, which was pulled by hundreds of devoted followers chanting the slogan of ‘Jai Jagannath’. Despite the occasional showers, hundreds of people gathered on the main streets of Haflong to offer prayers, prasada (holy food offering), and even attempt to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that those who participate in pulling the Lord’s chariot will receive his blessings.
In total, three chariots of Lord Jagannath were paraded in Haflong, organised by the Govinda Bari Mandir and Gauria Math of Haflong, Dima Hasao. Devotees, dressed in vibrant attire, pulled the chariots while offering prayers and chanting the name of Lord Jagannath. The holy procession of the chariots concluded around 6:00 pm, signifying the Lord’s return from his aunt’s house after seven days, known as the ‘Phira Rath’ or Return of the Chariot.
Reports of Rath Yatra celebrations have also emerged from other parts of the district, and fortunately, no untoward incidents have been reported from any area.
