Shree Shree Govindaji Temple witnesses massive turnout for Manipur's Rath Yatra

Thousands of devotees thronged the historic Shree Shree Govindaji Temple in Imphal as Manipur celebrated Rath Yatra, locally known as Kang or Kangchingba, with deep spiritual fervour and traditional grandeur.

One of the biggest festivals of the Meitei community following Vaishnavism, Kang commemorates the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The festival is celebrated not only at the Govindaji Temple but also in temples and localities across the state.

The main attraction of the celebrations was the ceremonial pulling of the massive wooden chariot carrying the deities through the temple premises and adjoining roads. Thousands of devotees participated in the procession, chanting hymns and singing devotional songs accompanied by Sankirtana artists.

Devotees, dressed in traditional Manipuri attire, including the elegant Innaphi and traditional jewellery, added colour and cultural richness to the religious festivities.

The celebrations continued into the evening with Choitep Chongba, a traditional devotional dance performed before the deities, followed by congregational prayers and the distribution of Khechri as prasadam among devotees.

Kang holds immense religious and cultural significance in Manipur and remains one of the state's most cherished festivals, symbolising devotion, community participation, and the enduring legacy of Vaishnavite traditions.