Siliguri, 14th June: Preparations for the annual Rath Yatra festival have begun at the ISKCON Temple in Siliguri ahead of the grand celebration scheduled for July 16.
The preparatory activities were formally inaugurated on Sunday with rituals and prayers conducted in accordance with scriptural traditions. The event was attended by Bhakti Vinaya Swami Maharaj from Bangladesh, ISKCON Temple President Akhilatma Priya Prabhu, and a large number of devotees.
According to Public Relations Officer of the temple, Namakrishna Das, work related to the construction and decoration of the chariot is currently in progress. On the day of the festival, the chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra will pass through several major roads across Siliguri.
Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the procession and associated religious activities. Special arrangements will also be made by the administration to ensure security and maintain order during the festival.