Agartala, July 16: Former Tripura Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Biplab Kumar Deb participated in the Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by the Jogendranagar Adarsha Yuba Sangstha on Thursday, joining hundreds of devotees in the annual festival marked by devotion, cultural traditions and community participation.
Deb pulled the sacred chariot alongside devotees and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Tripura. Extending his greetings on the occasion of Rath Yatra, he wished happiness and harmony for all and highlighted the spiritual significance of the centuries-old festival.
Addressing the gathering, the BJP MP described the Rath Yatra as a unique celebration of devotion, love and joy that carries the timeless message of service, sacrifice and unity. He said the festival strengthens social harmony by bringing together people from different backgrounds in a shared expression of faith.
“Pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath is an emotional and spiritually enriching experience for devotees. The festival inspires unity, compassion and collective devotion while reinforcing our cultural values,” Deb said.
Reflecting on India’s rich civilisational heritage, the former Chief Minister observed that Indian culture has withstood numerous challenges throughout history. He said that despite repeated attempts by various rulers over the centuries to weaken the country’s traditions, India’s cultural identity has remained resilient because of its inherent strength.
“Our traditions are timeless. They have survived every challenge in history and will continue to remain vibrant for generations to come,” Deb asserted.
Highlighting another distinctive feature of the Rath Yatra, Deb spoke about the symbolic role of elephants in traditional religious processions. He said elephants are not merely decorative elements but represent strength, prosperity, fortune and royal dignity in Indian culture.
“From ancient times, beautifully adorned elephants have led temple processions and religious festivals. Their presence in Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to symbolise the grandeur of our cultural and spiritual heritage,” he said.
The Rath Yatra celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of devotees, creating an atmosphere filled with devotional songs, prayers and traditional rituals. Members of the organising committee, local residents and public representatives also attended the festival.
The annual Rath Yatra remains one of the most significant religious festivals in Tripura, drawing devotees from across the state and reflecting the enduring spirit of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
