Paperman Media ( New Delhi )- Hectic preparations are underway for celebrating the Annual Ratha Yatra Festival at Lord Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas of New Delhi. Around one and half lakhs devotees are expected to take part in 48th edition of this Grand social, religious, spiritual and cultural fiesta. Several Odia and Non Odia dignitaries of New Delhi and National Capital Region are scheduled to congregate at the ceremony venue to witness and worship Lord of the Universe and His Siblings and seek their blessings. Being hosted by the Temple Management Committee Sree Neelachala Seva Sangha (SNSS), elaborate and upto date arrangements have been done to conduct the Ratha Yatra in a smooth and seamless manner, informed Secretary of SNSS Ravinder Nath Pradhan. The entire Temple complex is being renovated with the painting of attractive colours to wear a new and fresh look befitting to the auspicious occasion.
The festive session will commence from the hosting of Deba Snan Purnima on 29th June of this month. This will follow by Netrotsava and Nabajaubana Darshan on 14th July and Ratha Yatra on 16th July 2026. Other related festivities like Bahuda Yatra on 24th, Suna Besha on 25th and Niladri Bije on 27th July 2026 are going to be held as per vedic norms and religious practices, Shri Pradhan disclosed. The building of 18 feet height chariot having 10 wheels is being carried on rapidly, he added. The whole executive members team of Shree Neelachala Seva Sangha and around 700 volunteers have been assigned to oversee the maintenance of peace and discipline during the Car Festival, Shri Pradhan announced. Bhagirath Jha and Laxmi Narayan Beborta will present the Live proceedings of the Ratha Yatra.
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu will grace the Festival this year as Chief Guest and shall perform the ritual of Chhera Pahanra. The special attraction of this year’s Ratha Yatra will be presentation of nine days long colourful cultural extravaganza entitled Ratha Yatra Mahotsava by SNSS. The discriminating art lovers will witness the recitals of dance and music, staging of Palas and dance dramas at Temple premises each evening starting from the day of Rathyatra till Bahuda Yatra and Sunabesha. Nationally and Internationally acclaimed artistes like famous bollywood music director Prem Anand, noted singer Susmita Das and celebrated dance exponent Saswat Joshi are expected to enthrall the audiences by their creative excellence and artistic acumen during this Festival. Ace anchor Swarnaprava Pati will be compèring the cultural programme of the Mega Event.
