Sisodia’s presence gives Rath Yatra political colour
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, December 18
Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, the much awaited even in the city, started from Durga Mata Mandir, Jagraon Bridge, with pomp and show today. Though a religious event held annually, in recent years, the yatra has witnessed participation by leaders belonging to parties such as the Congress, the SAD and the BJP.
Today, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia was honoured by the Durga Mata Mandir Committee. Besides him, several leaders from the Congress, the BJP and the SAD participated in the yatra.
One of the organisers said: “Devotees come from countries all over the world, including the UK and the US, to be part of this yatra. It is a religious event”.
Though the organisers claimed that no political person was invited this time as the Assembly elections were to be announced soon, the presence of Sisodia indicated otherwise.
Meanwhile, the huge chariot was tastefully decorated with hangings, flowers and colourful lights. Thousands of devotees paid their obeisance before the idols of Lord Jagannath, brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra. The organisers were keeping an eye on the yatra with drones, which was an attraction this time.
Before the yatra started, the road was cleaned with a gold broom. On the entire yatra route, devotees had done colourful rangolis. Fruits, snacks, sweets and south Indian delicacies were served to devotees at huge stages put up by social, political, religious and other organisations.
The yatra passed through Guru Nanak Dev Stadium, Fountain Chowk, Ghumar Mandi Chowk, Aarti Chowk, Ferozepur Road and finally culminated at Durga Mata Mandir, Sarabha Nagar. Devotees were jostling for a glimpse of the idols.
Huge music systems were playing devotional songs during the yatra. Aarti, a visitor, said there was some hydraulic system fitted on the rath this time. When it passed under a tree, its canopy lowered automatically.
Police divert traffic
The traffic police made sure that the route plan was properly followed by the devotees. The road from Durga Mata Mandir to Fountain Chowk was closed to traffic at 11 am as the last-minute preparations were under way. Tow-away vans removed vehicles parked by organisers and residents on the road near the stalls in the morning.
Swachhta given a miss
Arrangements were made to clean roads but devotees were seen throwing paper plates, wrappers of eatables, plastic glasses, etc, on the road, showing scant regard for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
