Jindal Nagar’s Rath Yatra evokes devotion, equality, and grand community spirit

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANGUL, JUNE 27, 2025

The sacred festival of Rath Yatra was celebrated with grandeur and deep spiritual fervour at Devboomi in Jindal Nagar, closely mirroring the revered traditions of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra. The celebration drew thousands of devotees from far and wide, who came together in a spirit of unity and devotion to witness and partake in the divine chariot procession of Lord Jagannath and His siblings.

The majestic chariots — Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), Darpadalan (for Devi Subhadra), and Nandighosh (for Lord Jagannath) — were ceremonially pulled from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple within the township, marking the symbolic journey of the deities.

Prominent among the servitors was Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament (Kurukshetra) and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power, who, along with his wife Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, and mother Savitri Jindal, MLA from Hisar and Chairperson Emeritus of O.P. Jindal Group, actively participated in the rituals. Jindal performed the traditional Chherapanhara, sweeping the path for the Lord’s chariot, and also joined in the Pahandi Vidhi.

“This festival exemplifies equality and devotion — where all distinctions disappear before the Lord of the Universe,” said Naveen Jindal. “On behalf of the Jindal family, I extend heartfelt wishes for a blessed and joyous Rath Yatra to everyone.”

Highlighting the Foundation’s decade-long service at Jagannath Dham, Puri, Jindal said, “We are humbled to serve hot meals and chilled water to devotees, and will continue this seva till Sunabesha.”

All rituals, including Netra Lagi, Nava Jauban Darshan, Mangal Aarati, and Tadap Lagi, were performed strictly as per Vedic norms, under the spiritual guidance of Chief Priest Srikant Ji.

In a powerful reflection of inclusivity, women and girls took center stage by exclusively pulling the chariot of Devi Subhadra, showcasing devotion and empowerment in equal measure. The festival also witnessed the vibrant participation of senior leaders and staff of Jindal Steel & Power including Pankaj Malhan, Location Head – Angul, and Damodar Mittal, Executive Director, along with their families and thousands of community members.

The event was live-streamed on YouTube, enabling global devotees to participate virtually in this divine celebration.

The festivities at Jindal Nagar will continue till July 8, concluding with Niladri Bije, when the Chaturdhamurti returns to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, bringing the divine journey full circle.