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Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The city basked in spiritual fervour as the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced on Sunday. Organised by the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the grand chariot procession began at 1 PM from Annapurna Temple and proceeded towards Gopal Mandir at Rajwada, following a newly planned route.

This year, Lord Jagannath appeared resplendent in a specially designed outfit brought from Vrindavan. The deity was seated on a 51-feet high and 20-feet long hydraulic chariot, accompanied by siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The chariot was adorned with flowers and its height could be adjusted to avoid obstacles such as electricity and telephone wires.

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Foreign saints, ISKCON leaders and a large number of devotees participated in the Yatra. Mounted members of Durga Vahini accompanied the procession, adding a ceremonial grandeur. Children dressed as Radha-Krishna and other deities captivated the onlookers along the way.

The chariot was pulled by devotees with ropes and over 50 welcome stages were planned en route.Prasad was also distributed from the main chariot. At Gopal Mandir, the event culminated with devotional dances and cultural programmes showcasing Lord Jagannath’s divine pastimes.

Earlier, a “Manuhar Yatra” was held on Saturday to invite devotees. Led by Swami Vishweshwaranand Giri and other spiritual leaders, this pre-Rath Yatra procession passed through various neighbourhoods, creating excitement ahead of the main event.

Social and religious organisations such as Agarwal Samaj, Jain Samaj and others came together to welcome the procession. 

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