Hyderabad: Chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoed through Hyderabad as thousands joined the Golden Jubilee Rath Yatra organised by Iskcon Abids on Thursday. The flower-adorned chariot rolled from NTR Stadium at noon to the Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, drawing devotees from all walks of life.The Rath Yatra, which honours Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, symbolises togetherness, a spirit reflected throughout the celebrations.“It takes three to four months of preparation to organise the Rath Yatra,” said Dhiraj Shelke (26), who has been associated with Iskcon for three years.Before the procession began, women in matching pink sarees performed traditional dances to the beat of the taal, while devotees lined the route for a glimpse of the deities.“The Rath Yatra gives me a chance to step away from the materialistic world. It’s not just spiritual; it’s a way of life,” said Uday Kumar Pulloju (28), an IT professional who took the day off to attend.After the inauguration and pooja, devotees pulled the flower-decked chariot with its striking red-and-black canopy. The procession also featured the Chhera Pahanra ritual, in which the path before the Rath was ceremonially swept, symbolising humility and equality before Lord Jagannath.“Beyond the music and rituals, the Rath Yatra is about the sense of community it creates. It brings people together year after year,” said Ram Murthy Hazari (59), who has attended the yatra in different parts of the city for several years.
