THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANGUL/PURI, JULY 16, 2026

In a vibrant celebration of faith, devotion and India's timeless spiritual heritage, thousands of devotees gathered at Devboomi, Jindal Nagar, Angul, to participate in the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The sacred festival, symbolising equality, humility and universal brotherhood, witnessed an atmosphere of profound devotion as devotees joined together in pulling the holy chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Leading the celebrations as the Prime Servitor, Jindal Steel Chairman Naveen Jindal joined devotees in pulling the sacred chariots, reaffirming the enduring message that true leadership is rooted in selfless service. Accompanied by his mother, Savitri Jindal, and his wife, Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal Foundation, Jindal also performed the Chhera Pahanra ritual — the ceremonial sweeping of the path before the deities' chariots. The centuries-old tradition, performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, embodies the profound spiritual belief that before Lord Jagannath, every individual is equal and the highest form of leadership is humble service.

Reflecting on this deeply unifying event, Naveen Jindal said, "I pray to Lord Jagannath to bless everyone with good health, happiness, and prosperity. It is a privilege to join devotees in pulling the sacred chariots and seeking the blessings of the Lord. On behalf of the Jindal family, I wish everyone a happy and blessed Rath Yatra."

Extending the spirit of devotion into compassionate service, Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel, has launched its flagship Anna Seva initiative in Puri for the 12th consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to serving devotees during one of the world's largest spiritual congregations.

The eleven-day humanitarian initiative, running from July 15 to July 25, 2026, is dedicated to providing hundreds of thousands of freshly prepared meals to pilgrims visiting the Holy City. Three dedicated live-kitchen distribution centres have been established at strategic locations near the Shree Gundicha Temple Bus Stand, Puri Railway Station Square, and Station Road, ensuring seamless access to nutritious meals for devotees arriving from across the country.

Operating round the clock, the centres serve wholesome and authentic Odia meals comprising rice, dalma and khata, prepared under stringent food safety and hygiene standards while preserving the traditional flavours associated with Jagannath culture.

For over a decade, Jindal Foundation's Rath Yatra Anna Seva has become a cherished tradition of compassion, embodying the sacred Indian ethos of "Nar Seva, Narayan Seva" — service to humanity is service to the Divine. As millions of devotees converge in Puri to witness the annual journey of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, the initiative ensures that every pilgrim experiences not only the spiritual grace of the festival but also the warmth of care, dignity and shared humanity.

Blending devotion with dedicated service, the Rath Yatra celebrations at Angul and the Anna Seva initiative in Puri together reflect the enduring values of faith, humility, compassion and cultural unity that define the sacred legacy of Lord Jagannath and continue to inspire generations.