Manipur celebrates Rath Yatra amidst crisis, devotees seek peace and blessings

Manipur observed the Rath Yatra festival, also known as "Kang Chingba," with subdued celebrations due to the ongoing crisis in the state.

Despite the prevailing instability, worshipers from various places gathered at the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple from early morning, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables to the gods.

All ritual ceremonies were conducted within the temple, followed by a brief road procession of the Rath chariot. Considering the state's current instability, the procession covered only a short distance.

During the procession, devotees chanted prayers, hoping the festival would bring peace and tranquillity to Manipur.

A member of the Brahma Samaj highlighted that Rath Yatra is more than just a festival; it is an annual ritual where people seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.

This ritual has been performed since 1832, dating back to the reign of Maharaja Gambhir Singh. Last year, the temple skipped the road procession but observed all ritual ceremonies.

This year, however, the temple board of Shree Shree Govindajee decided to carry out a short procession with a positive outlook.

“The state has suffered a lot over the past year. Members of the temple and devotees believe that seeking blessings is essential, even during turmoil.

With this thought, we decided to complete all the formalities of Rath Yatra,” the Brahma Samaj member said, expressing hope that the observance of Rath Yatra would help restore peace in Manipur.