Agartala, July 16: Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu on Thursday evening inaugurated the ISKCON Rath Yatra at Purbhasa Prangan in Agartala amid religious fervour and the participation of a large number of devotees.
The Governor formally flagged off the annual chariot festival, one of the most significant events in the Vaishnav tradition, in the presence of ISKCON monks, devotees, public representatives and senior officials. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from people belonging to different walks of life, who gathered to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Nallu highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of Rath Yatra, describing it as a festival that promotes devotion, harmony and universal brotherhood. He said such religious and cultural celebrations strengthen the values of peace, compassion and social unity while preserving India’s rich spiritual heritage.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in promoting the teachings of Lord Krishna and organising spiritual and humanitarian activities across the country. He expressed hope that the festival would inspire people to follow the path of righteousness, selfless service and mutual respect.
Following the inauguration, the ceremonial chariot carrying the deities began its procession through designated routes in the city amid devotional chants of “Hare Krishna” and the beating of traditional drums and cymbals. Thousands of devotees joined the procession, pulling the chariot and offering prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of society.
The Rath Yatra is observed annually by ISKCON centres across the world and commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. In Tripura, the festival draws large crowds every year and has become an important religious and cultural event.
Extensive security arrangements and traffic management measures were put in place by the district administration and Tripura Police to ensure the smooth conduct of the procession. Volunteers from ISKCON also assisted devotees and coordinated various aspects of the event.
The inauguration marked the beginning of the week-long Rath Yatra celebrations in Agartala, with devotees participating in prayers, devotional music, cultural programmes and community service activities organised by ISKCON.
