Thousands of Hindu devotees joined the annual Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, as the town resonated with chants of “Joy Jagannath” and the beats of drums, cymbals, and conch shells.
The colourful procession, organised by the Cox’s Bazar chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), began at Gol Dighi in the afternoon, creating a festive and devotional atmosphere as devotees gathered around the ornately decorated chariot to offer prayers and take part in the celebrations.
A discussion meeting held before the procession was chaired by Sripad Radha Gobinda Das Brahmachari. Addressing the gathering, he said Hindu scriptures describe viewing Lord Jagannath’s chariot and its pinnacle as a source of spiritual merit. He also prayed for peace, harmony and the well-being of the country and the world.
The procession was inaugurated by Additional Superintendent of Police Debdut Majumder.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamunur Rahman, former Cox’s Bazar municipality mayor Sarwar Kamal, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station officer-in-charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali, district Jubo Dal president Advocate Syed Ahmed Ujjal, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Puja Udjapan Parishad president Bappi Sharma, and leaders of social, political, and religious organisations.
Speakers highlighted Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and mutual respect, saying peaceful coexistence among followers of all faiths strengthens social cohesion and contributes to national development. They urged everyone to play a responsible role in preserving communal harmony.
The colourful procession travelled along the town’s main roads, passing through IBP Road, Ghunghachtala, Holiday Mor, Circuit House Road and Laboni Point before returning to Gol Dighi.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath is observed annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashar. The festival will conclude with the return chariot procession, known as Ulto Rath Jatra, on July 24.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
