Silchar rejoices on the occasion of Rath Yatra

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Most families in the Barak Valley are in a joyful mood. And why not, the much awaited festival of Rath Yatra is finally here!

Also referred as the Chariot festival, the occasion involves a public procession with chariot with deities Jagannath (Vishnu avatar), Balabhadra (his brother), Subhadra (his sister) and Sudarshana Chakra (his weapon) on a Ratha, a wooden deula-shaped chariot.

The festival attracts over a million Hindu pilgrims who join the procession each year. Not just Hindus, all communities gather together to enjoy the fanfare around the festival.

A grand celebration was witnessed near Srikona, where a giant chariot of Lord Jagannath (of Dhaka Dakshin) was used as part of the procession.