PM Modi's Old Rath Yatra Photos Go Viral As Jagannath Festival Begins

Festival, Memory, Viral Moment

As lakhs of devotees gathered for the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra this year, an old memory involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi found its way back into the spotlight. Photos from his earlier years of participating in the sacred procession began circulating widely on social media, reminding many of his long association with the centuries-old tradition.

Bond That Goes Back Decades

Long before becoming PM, Narendra Modi was closely associated with the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Gujarat, especially the famous Ahmedabad procession. During his years as an RSS worker and later as a BJP leader, he was often seen taking part in preparations and religious events linked to the annual yatra.

Social Media Brings Back Old Pictures

Several images showing PM Modi participating in Rath Yatra rituals have gone viral across social media platforms. Many users described the photographs as a reminder of his longstanding connection with Lord Jagannath.

Tradition PM Modi Still Continues

Even after becoming Prime Minister, Modi has maintained a special tradition linked to the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra. Every year, he sends a special offering from New Delhi before the procession begins.

Greetings on the Sacred Occasion

On the occasion of this years Rath Yatra, PM Modi extended his greetings to devotees across the country. In his message, he prayed for peace, prosperity and good health for everyone, saying that Lord Jagannaths blessings should continue to guide the nation.

Why Jagannath Rath Yatra Matters?

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of Indias oldest and largest religious festivals. Every year, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are taken out of the Jagannath Temple in Puri on massive wooden chariots and pulled by thousands of devotees to the Gundicha Temple. The journey symbolises devotion, equality and the bond between the deities and their devotees.

Lakhs Join the Grand Procession

This years Rath Yatra witnessed huge crowds in Odisha, with devotees filling the streets of Puri to witness the sacred procession. The chants of Jai Jagannath, the sound of conch shells and the movement of the giant chariots created a deeply spiritual atmosphere that attracted pilgrims from across India and abroad.

Festival That Connects Generations

Every Rath Yatra brings back stories from the past. During the annual Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath and his two siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, give darshan to devotees from their chariots and travel to the Gundicha Temple, revered as the maternal aunt’s abode of Lord Jagannath.

Faith, Tradition and Lasting Memories

The Yatra begins from the Jagannath Temple in Puri and concludes at the Gundicha Temple, covering a distance of nearly three kilometres.