Kanpur: Amid chants of “Jai Jagannath”, the rhythmic beats of drums and a shower of flower petals, thousands of devotees thronged the streets of Kanpur on Thursday as the city’s historic Jagannath Rath Yatra rolled through its traditional route, turning the old quarters into a sea of faith and festivity.The ceremonial procession began after the deities were seated on their ornately decorated chariots. The Rath Yatra passed through the narrow lanes of Generalganj before moving along its traditional route via Kaho Kothi, Nayaganj Crossing, Matwari College, Hoolaganj, Bhoosatoli, Kirana Bazar, Generalganj, Maniram Bagia, Meston Road, Chowk Sarafa and Kotwali Crossing before reaching Sarsaiya Ghat. A brief halt was observed there for the Ganga Aarti, following which the procession returned to the temple in Generalganj via Lathi Mohal.The sound of drums and traditional bands, colourful tableaux, wooden elephants and horses, devotional music and flower showers from rooftops and balconies were among the major attractions of the procession. Devotees gathered in large numbers along the route to offer prayers and receive prasad, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and celebration.Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police and district administration. Security personnel were deployed at key intersections and throughout the procession route to ensure the smooth conduct of the event as thousands of devotees turned up for the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Regarded as one of Kanpur’s oldest and most significant religious traditions, the Rath Yatra once again showcased the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.The chariot of Lord Jagannath was beautifully adorned with tuberose, roses and marigold flowers. Following the morning aarti, special offerings were made to the deity, while devotees continued to visit the temple throughout the day.The Kanpur Rath Yatra also preserves several traditions associated with the famous Puri Rath Yatra. The main chariot was led by two ministers riding horses and a king figure mounted on a wooden elephant. Children seated on the chariots presented tableaux depicting episodes from the lives of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.Cultural troupes dressed in colourful traditional attire performed devotional music and dance throughout the route, adding to the festive spirit and drawing enthusiastic participation from devotees.One of the unique features of the Kanpur Rath Yatra is its traditional prasad. Devotees were served soaked gram and moong dal along with offerings of jamun, mango and banyan fruit—a custom that has been followed for decades and continues to draw thousands of devotees every year.Meanwhile, the Shri Radha Krishna Temple Trust (J.K. Temple) also organised a grand Rath Yatra with religious fervour. Following the prescribed rituals at 4 pm, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were ceremonially seated on a magnificently decorated floral chariot.The procession at J.K. Temple commenced with Vedic chants and the blowing of conch shells by students of the temple’s Gurukul. Govind Nagar MLA Surendra Maithani, the chief guest, inaugurated the Rath Yatra.
