Digha, West Bengal - June 27, 2025 - The coastal town of Digha in West Bengal witnessed a momentous occasion as the first-ever Ratha Yatra festival commenced at the newly constructed Jagannath Temple, marking a significant milestone in the region's religious landscape.

CM Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates Historic Festival

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee performed rituals during the Rath Yatra festival at the Jagannath Temple, personally inaugurating this historic celebration. The Chief Minister participated in the traditional golden broom ceremony, symbolically cleaning the path for the sacred chariots.

First-Ever Celebration Creates Religious Tourism Milestone

The first-ever Rath Yatra at the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha is set to begin soon on a 1 km route, establishing Digha as a new destination for devotees seeking the blessed darshan of Lord Jagannath outside of Puri. This development positions West Bengal's popular beach destination as an emerging pilgrimage center.

Organized Procession with Safety Measures

Pilgrims attending the grand Rath Yatra festival originating from the newly constructed Jagannath temple in Digha on Friday will have to stand behind barricades along the 1 km procession route, ensuring both devotional experience and crowd safety. The administration has implemented comprehensive security arrangements to manage the large gathering of devotees.

ISKCON Kolkata's Spiritual Guidance

ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das said the festival is inspired by the Puri Rath Yatra, maintaining the authentic traditions and spiritual significance of the sacred festival. The involvement of ISKCON ensures adherence to proper Vedic rituals and customs.

Temple Preparations and Chariot Decorations

A view of the decorated chariot of Jagannath Temple as preparations are underway for the Ratha Yatra festival, in Digha, West Bengal showcased the elaborate arrangements made for this inaugural celebration. The temple authorities worked tirelessly to ensure every detail reflected the grandeur associated with Lord Jagannath's festival.

Significance for West Bengal's Religious Tourism

This historic Ratha Yatra in Digha represents a significant addition to West Bengal's religious tourism circuit. The event combines the spiritual essence of the traditional Puri festival with the scenic beauty of Bengal's coastline, offering devotees a unique pilgrimage experience.

The newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha now joins the list of prominent temples celebrating this ancient festival, bringing the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra closer to Bengali devotees.

Annual Festival Promise

With the successful completion of this inaugural Ratha Yatra, Digha is set to become an annual destination for this sacred festival, potentially attracting thousands of devotees from across Eastern India. The temple administration has assured that this will become a regular feature, enhancing the spiritual significance of this coastal town.

The festival's success marks a new chapter in Digha's transformation from merely a beach destination to a comprehensive spiritual and tourism hub, offering visitors both divine blessings and natural beauty in one location.