Kaushik Rai Sweeps Lord Jagannath’s Path During Traditional Chhera Pahanra Ceremony

Thousands of devotees thronged the streets of Silchar on Thursday as ISKCON organised its 28th annual Rath Yatra with great devotion and enthusiasm. The religious procession drew people from different parts of the town and nearby areas, with devotees gathering in large numbers to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath and take part in one of the city’s most prominent annual religious celebrations.

The Rath Yatra was formally inaugurated by ISKCON temple committee president Maharaj Gour Nitai Das, Assam Minister Kaushik Rai and several saints and spiritual leaders. Before the procession began at around 3.30 pm, the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual was performed, during which the path and the chariot were ceremonially swept with a golden broom. Minister Kaushik Rai also participated in the ritual by sweeping the route and later offered aarti before the deities.

As the towering chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra rolled through the city, thousands of devotees enthusiastically pulled the ropes while chanting devotional hymns and singing bhajans. The procession created a festive atmosphere throughout the route, with families, children and elderly devotees lining the streets to witness the sacred journey and seek the blessings of the deities. Volunteers and organisers managed the event to ensure the procession moved smoothly.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Kaushik Rai said he felt fortunate to be able to participate in this year’s Rath Yatra and described it as a spiritually uplifting experience. He extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Silchar and the entire state on the auspicious occasion. According to Hindu belief, having the darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during Rath Yatra is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

The annual Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON Silchar has become one of the city’s most significant religious events over the years, attracting thousands of devotees every year. The festival is marked by devotional singing, prayers and community participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and faith associated with the Jagannath tradition. This year’s celebration once again witnessed a massive turnout, highlighting the festival’s growing importance in the Barak Valley.

While the Rath Yatra of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is the most widely known, the festival is observed far beyond the state’s borders. Vaishnavites across India and in many countries around the world celebrate the occasion with deep devotion. In Assam, Rath Yatra is organised by various Neo Vaishnavite Satras, Vaishnavite Akhras, the Meitei community and ISKCON temples, each preserving their own traditions while honouring Lord Jagannath.

The festival was celebrated across Assam, including the Barak Valley, on Thursday. Devotees will gather once again nine days later for Ulto Rath, when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra symbolically return from their aunt’s home to the main temple, marking the conclusion of the annual festival.