Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Jagannath devotees, servitors, government officials, police and voluntary organizations for the smooth and successful conclusion of Rath Yatra in Puri.
Calling it the biggest and most important festival of Odisha associated with the emotions of lakhs of devotees, the Chief Minister said the Yatra was completed with devotion despite adverse weather conditions.
“Despite heavy rain, there was an unprecedented gathering of Jagannath lovers at Shree Jagannath Dham, Puri. The servitors completed all the rituals of the Lords with full devotion,” Majhi said.
He noted that although there was a slight delay due to the weather, all rituals starting from Nabajouban Darshan to Niladri Bije were completed smoothly with the mercy of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath. “For this, I thank all the servitors associated with the rituals of Mahaprabhu,” he said.
The Chief Minister also lauded Odisha Police for maintaining security and order during the Ghosa Yatra. “More than 13,500 police personnel provided services to all the pilgrims. I thank the police force for their orderly behavior in facilitating darshan for lakhs of devotees,” he said.
Majhi further thanked all devotees who visited Puri for Rath Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije. “All Jagannath lovers who came to Puri had darshan in a very orderly manner. I express my gratitude to all the devotees,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s focus on Jagannath culture, the Chief Minister said the state is working to make Puri a world-class religious-tourism destination. Projects underway include Puri Airport, Shri Jagannath Museum and Research Centre, Marine Aquarium and the Shamuka Project.
He also announced that the state government has declared Puri as a municipal corporation. “This will enable various quality services to be provided to the residents of Puri and tourists visiting Puri in the coming days,” Majhi said.
