The Business Bytes
Angul, July 7, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a vibrant display of cultural splendour and devout fervour, the Rath Yatra festival at Devboomi, Jindal Nagar here, captivated the hearts of thousands of devotees from near and far. Led by esteemed figures including Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) Chairman and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal, the festival unfolded with meticulous adherence to ancient rituals, symbolizing the annual journey of Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
The ceremonial procession commenced from the sacred temple grounds of Devboomi, where the grand chariots — Taladhwaja, Darpadalan, and Nandighosh — embarked on their journey to the Gundicha Temple amidst joyous chants and prayers. Naveen Jindal, accompanied by JSP Foundation Chairperson Shallu Jindal, OP Jindal Group Chairperson Emeritus Savitri Jindal and other family members, played pivotal roles as servitors, participating fervently in the traditional rituals such as ‘Pahandi Vidhi’ and Chherapanhara.
Expressing profound humility and gratitude, Naveen Jindal stated, “I offer my prayers to the Almighty for showering divine blessings upon us all to serve our country and mankind at large. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bestow His blessings upon each one of us, and I wish everyone in Odisha and our country a joyous Rath Yatra.”
The celebrations were marked by meticulous observance of Vedic protocols, including rituals like Netra lagi, Nabajauban Darshan, and Mangal Aarati, overseen by Chief Priest Srikant Ji. The involvement of women, who enthusiastically pulled the chariot of Devi Subhadra, added a special vibrancy to the proceedings.
The community spirit was palpable as JSP Angul Unit Location Head Pankaj Malhan, Executive Director Damodar Mittal, and their families, alongside numerous officials, employees, and local residents, actively participated in pulling the majestic chariots.
The event was further magnified through live streaming on YouTube, reaching a global audience and enabling countless devotees to witness the festivities firsthand.
The Rath Yatra will continue to resonate within Jindal Nagar until July 19, culminating in the Niladri Bije when the Chaturdhamurti return to the Jagannath Temple in Devboomi. Throughout this period, the community will be treated to ‘Anna Prasad,’ symbolizing communal harmony and devotion in its purest form.
