West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee actively participated in the ISKCON Rath Yatra today, pulling the chariot's ropes after performing rituals and offering prayers to Lord Jagannath. Braving intermittent rains, thousands of devotees thronged the event, joyously chanting 'Jai Jagannath' alongside ISKCON monks.

Ms. Banerjee, a regular attendee of the annual Rath Yatra, conducted the 'arati' ceremony with lit candles, venerating the deities—Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra—before symbolically initiating the chariot procession. She emphasized the inclusive spirit of the festival, stating, "We live together with all religions. Jagannath Dev is very sacred to all of us."

Highlighting the widespread participation from West Bengal, Ms. Banerjee noted the attendance of devotees from Puri in Odisha and Mahesh in Hooghly district, renowned for its historic Rath Yatra celebrations. She announced plans for a new Jagannath temple in Digha, modeled after Puri's iconic structure, scheduled for inauguration post-Durga Puja.

The festivities included cultural performances, including traditional dances by women, adding to the vibrant atmosphere as the chariot wound through Kolkata's streets. The 

procession will culminate with the chariot's display at Maidan for devotees to seek blessings over the next eight days.