By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 06, 2024
Agartala, July 6 (FD) The ongoing tradition of the Rath Yatra festival is now a cherished tradition for us, which is being celebrated since ancient times, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said while inaugurating the festival at Melaghar today.
The traditional Hindu festival began from today and would continue for the next nine days.
The opening ceremony took place at Muktamanch, Jagannathbari in Melaghar.
During the event, the Chief Minister mentioned last year's tragic incident in Kumarghat and instructed all District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and related parties to take necessary precautions through a video conference earlier this year.
The Rath Yatra roadmap, the chariot's height, the power supply system, fire services, and the health department have been asked to be especially vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents. It is crucial to remain vigilant to prevent sorrow from overshadowing joy.
The Chief Minister noted that people of different religions gather at the traditional Rath Yatra festival in Melaghar, alongside devotees, buyers, and sellers at the fair. This event also provides rural people with an opportunity to earn through selling at the fair. The Chief Minister called for a peaceful and smooth completion of the 9-day festival. 
Notably, this festival is organized under the initiative of the Information and Culture Department and the Melaghar Municipal Council.
The Chief Minister highlighted the historical significance of Melagher's Raths and thanked those associated with the Rath Yatra festival. He emphasized that Jagannath is the Lord of the World, descending amidst devotees during the Rath Yatra festival. MLA Kishore Barman and MLA Bindu Debnath, among others, also spoke at the inaugural function. Present at the event were Sipahijala Zilla Parishad Chairperson Supriya Das Dutta, Sipahijala District Magistrate Nagesh Kumar B, Acting Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Social Workers Debbrata Bhattacharya, Biswajit Das, Gaurang Bhowmik, and others. Melaghar Municipal Council Chairperson Anamika Ghosh Pal Roy presided over the inauguration ceremony, while Sub-Divisional Ruler of Sonamura Sub-division Arup Dev delivered the welcome address. After the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha visited the under-construction temple of Jagannath Dev in Melagher. FD JK