A Rath Yatra for tourists in West Bengal鈥檚 Digha has triggered a political controversy with the state BJP accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of deviating from tradition.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, denied any kind of political posturing and said there was no competition with Jagannath temple in Odisha鈥檚 Puri as it is the original source.
This temple on the coastal town is the main destination of the Rath Yatra, which is considered the largest and oldest Hindu chariot festival celebrated annually.
This time, Digha 鈥 a popular beach destination 鈥 is celebrating the ancient festival for the first time. Banerjee is personally camping there and will be present to pull the chariot rope, marking the beginning of the festivities.
The BJP in the state, however, criticised the chief minister for creating a political spectacle by taking part in the event and alleged that she is deviating from traditional Sanatani practices.
Addressing comparisons being drawn between Puri and Digha, Banerjee dismissed the controversy. 鈥淲e love the Jagannath temple in Puri, and they should love our temple too. Many people from Puri have come here,鈥 she said.
鈥淲e are very excited as this is the first Rath Yatra in Digha. There鈥檚 no competition with Puri, as it is the spiritual source. But Digha鈥檚 Rath Yatra will include foreign tourists, which doesn鈥檛 usually happen in Puri. Jagannath is one, and we are all united in devotion,鈥 she added.
She said she will inaugurate the Yatra and has gifted a golden broom to the temple on the occasion.
WHAT ARE THE PREPARATIONS?
Three majestic chariots 鈥 for the Hindu deities of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra 鈥 have been made ready for the ceremonial procession. There are extensive security arrangements in place to ensure a peaceful and well-managed event.
On the eve of the Yatra, Banerjee reviewed the final preparations. 鈥淭he main event will begin tomorrow at 9 am. Some people may leave after seeing the chariots, but the Dham will remain open. The stone idols will remain in the temple, while the neem wood idol will be brought to the chariot at 9.30 am. We will arrive at 2 pm, and the chariot pulling will begin at 2.30 pm,鈥 she told reporters.