Delhi CM performs ‘Chera Pahara’ ritual during annual Rath Yatra

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday performed the ‘Chera Pahara’ ritual during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, South Delhi.

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Embracing a centuries-old tradition that traces its roots to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Chief Minister entered the sanctum to formally invite Lord Jagannath to emerge for the grand chariot procession. She then swept the path ahead of the chariot and ceremonially pulled the sacred ropes to flag off the Rath Yatra.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “As a humble servant of Lord Jagannath, it is my sacred honour today to sweep the path ahead of His chariot. Now, the Lord himself proceeds to bless the city with His divine presence. I pray to Him to continue showering His blessings on the people of Delhi, so that the capital flourishes into a Viksit Delhi, where all citizens prosper in peace and happiness.”

The ritual of ‘Chera Pahara’ holds deep symbolic meaning. Traditionally performed by the King of Puri or his representative, the act of sweeping the chariot path with a golden broom represents humility, equality and the ruler’s devotion to the deity. By upholding this tradition in Delhi, the organisers symbolically honoured the Chief Minister as the representative head of the city.

Gupta, donning a ceremonial turban, humbly accepted the invitation extended by the temple organisers. The event drew hundreds of devotees, who witnessed the vibrant and spiritually charged Rath Yatra with enthusiasm.

Mridula Pradhan, MP Bansuri Swaraj, MLA Satish Upadhyay, and other dignitaries were present during the ceremony, which was marked by chants, devotional songs, and the rhythmic pull of the grand chariot through the temple premises.