Puri, July 7: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries wished the people on the occasion of Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath on Sunday.

On the auspicious occasion, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and others greeted the devotees across the country.

President Murmu posted on X, "I extend my heartiest greetings to all the countrymen on the occasion of the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Today, countless Jagannath lovers from across the country and the world are eagerly waiting to see the three deities on the chariot. On the occasion of this great festival, I pray to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for everyone's happiness, peace and prosperity. Jai Jagannath!," wrote President Murmu on her official 'X' handle.

"Greetings on the start of the sacred Rath Yatra. We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that His blessings constantly remain upon us," PM Modi posted on 'X'.

PM Modi mentioned that Lord Jagannath embarks on a city tour during Rath Yatra to allow people to catch a glimpse of him, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of the country.

The Prime Minister said that many are unaware of the origin of the English word 'Juggernaut', which as per the dictionaries, originated from the Rath Yatra. He also said Lord Jagannath is the god of the poor and downtrodden.

CM Majhi, in his video message, said, "May our state reach the pinnacle of development in every field. He prayed for building a new and prosperous Odisha with the cooperation of all."

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended his warm greetings to all on the occasion of Rath Yatra.

"Hearty greetings to all the countrymen and the devotees of Mahaprabhu across the world on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, the protector of the entire creation. I pray to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath that the festival brings happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life," he tweeted.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik too extended his greetings to the people on the famous occasion of Rath Yatra.

"Hearty greetings and congratulations to all on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. May everyone's life be filled with happiness and peace by the blessings of 'Chaturdhamurthy'.

During the yatra, the holy triad (Lord Jagannath with siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra) seated in three grand chariots embarks on the annual nine-day sojourn to their birthplace, Gundicha Temple (the Yagnya Vedi or the Garden house of the Lord).

Read More: Odisha News