After the inauguration of the Jagannath Dham temple in West Bengal’s Digha on April 30, Ratha Yatra festival commenced for the first time in the coastal town located in Purba Medinipur district, which is also a popular tourist hotspot.

On the rainy morning of Friday, the Rath Yatra celebrations in Digha began with the ‘Pahandi Vijay’ ritual. Pahandi Vijay is an essential part of the Rath Yatra and is considered a preparation for the deities to board the chariot.

As part of this, the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out of the main temple and seated in their respective chariots. This special procession is known as ‘Pahandi’, which is a type of ceremonial procession. Preparations and rituals for the idols before boarding the chariots started from 9 am.

The main ceremony of pulling the chariot is set to commence late on Friday afternoon. Before that, the ‘Pahandi Vijay’ was performed in a grand way. The procession was accompanied by musical instruments, chanting of mantras and thousands of devotees shouting “Jai Jagannath”.

Pahandi Vijay is special moment for devotees who participate in this procession and eagerly wait to get the darshan and blessings of the deities. Pahandi Vijay is celebrated with devotion and joy.

Commenting on Ratha Yatra celebration in Digha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier stated, “The priests will start their puja from 9 am as per the rules. Visitors will be able to see Jagannath Dham from 9.30 am. People can come, the temple will remain open. The main idol will remain in the temple. The chariot will be installed at night. Aarti will be held from 2 pm to 2.30 pm. The Rath Yatra will start at 4.30 pm.”

People to remain within barricades: CM Mamata Banerjee

She further said, “But there will be no people on the road, people will be at the barricades. This arrangement has been made to prevent any incidents of trampling. A holding area is being made. The chariot will stop on its way, people will be able to see it. The rope will be attached to the barricade. The rope can be touched.”

Addressing the people, the CM urged, “Your cooperation is desired. I wish you all the best because this is the first time we are doing this. Jagannath Dev will go to his aunt’s house at Jagannath Dham in Digha tomorrow. And will return in Ulto Roth. I wish that both journeys are peaceful. I welcome you all and seek your cooperation.”