Kolkata, Jul 16 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday took part in Rath Yatra celebrations across the state, visiting temples, joining religious ceremonies and participating in devotional singing and rituals.
Adhikari began the day by attending the ISKCON Kolkata Rath Yatra, where he inaugurated the festival and joined monks in singing devotional kirtans dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
According to ISKCON monks, it was the first time that the inauguration of the Kolkata Rath Yatra had featured a CM participating in devotional kirtan along with the congregation.
They said former chief minister Mamata Banerjee had inaugurated the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata on previous occasions, but Adhikari’s participation in devotional singing added a new dimension to the ceremony.
Later, Adhikari travelled to the centuries-old Mahaprabhu Temple at Tamluk in Purba Medinipur district, where he inaugurated the Rath Yatra and played the khol, the traditional drum used in Vaishnav kirtan.
He also joined devotees in chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Addressing devotees, Adhikari said his participation in the festival was driven by faith rather than politics.
“My political views, path or position have no connection with my presence here. I have been coming to this traditional Rath Yatra for more than ten years as a devotee. I am a Sanatani, a son of Bharat Mata, a disciple of Radha-Madhav, and I consider myself a servant of Lord Jagannath. That is why I participate in this Rath Yatra every year. I have a long association with this family, and they invite me every year,” he said before formally flagging off the chariot.
The chief minister also inaugurated the Rath Yatra at Mecheda in Purba Medinipur district, where thousands of devotees had gathered for the annual festival. PTI BSM MNB
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