CM Vishnu Deo Sai Participates in Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Raipur: Performs Cherapahara Ritual and Prays for People’s Well-being

Governor Ramesh Deka and First Lady Rani Deka Join in the Celebrations at Jagannath Temple, Gayatri Nagar

Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai took part in the grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannath held at the Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur. Accompanied by Governor Shri Ramesh Deka, the Chief Minister offered prayers and performed the sacred ‘Cherapahara’ ritual — the traditional sweeping of the chariot path with a golden broom — seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests for the people of the state.

The First Lady, Mrs. Rani Deka Kakoti, also participated in the event, performing traditional rituals in honor of Lord Jagannath. The celebration mirrored the grandeur of the Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha, reflecting the shared spiritual and cultural heritage between the two neighboring states.

As per tradition, before the commencement of the chariot procession, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra were ceremoniously brought from the temple to their chariots. The path was cleansed with a golden broom by the Chief Minister himself, marking the beginning of the yatra.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Sai extended heartfelt wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh, stating, “This festival holds immense significance not only in Odisha but equally in Chhattisgarh. Lord Jagannath is the protector of farmers. By His grace, we receive rainfall, the paddy fills with grain, and prosperity returns to our homes.” He prayed for a bountiful harvest this year and sought the continuous blessings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra for peace and welfare in the state.

The Rath Yatra in Chhattisgarh, celebrated in the style of Odisha, is a deeply rooted tradition. According to temple priests, it symbolizes the cultural bond between Utkal (Odisha) and Dakshin Kosal (Chhattisgarh). Local lore suggests that Lord Jagannath’s origins trace back to Shivrinarayan in Chhattisgarh, believed to be the place where Lord Ram accepted the sweet berries offered with love by Mata Shabari during the Treta Yuga.

Prominent dignitaries present at the celebration included Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, and a large number of devotees. The event reinforced not only religious devotion but also cultural pride and community participation in the state.