Rath Yatra Celebrated with Devotion by Bishnupriya Manipuri Community in Hengrabari; Government Support Acknowledged

Guwahati: The spirit of Rath Yatra echoed across Assam as the Nath Mandir in Hengrabari, a significant temple for the Bishnupriya Manipuri and Meitei groups, organized a lively celebration on June 27 to mark the sacred occasion.

This annual festival, which initiated from Puri, Odisha, celebrates the divine journey of Lord Shri Krishna (Jagannath), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, and holds deep religious and cultural significance.

Speaking to Business North East, Chandreshwar Mishra, President of Nath Mandir, said, “The Rath Yatra symbolizes Lord Krishna’s divine journey or ‘Char Bhraman’. It is traditionally observed on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, and we continue to honor this tradition with deep devotion.”

Mishra confirmed that the temple, built with support from the Assam government, had been allotted Rs. 15 lakh for development and festival arrangements. “Out of the sanctioned amount, we have received Rs. 7 lakh so far. We are hopeful of getting the remaining amount soon. Our local MLA has also assured an additional support of Rs. 3 lakh, which is awaited,” he added.

The Rath Yatra held at Nath Mandir saw the ceremonial pulling of the chariot carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, escorted by traditional kirtans, aids, and contribution from hundreds of devotees through the city.

Broader Community Participation Across Guwahati

The Rath Yatra is not limited to Hengrabari alone. According to Sujit Singha, Vice President of the Nath Mandir, the Bishnupriya Manipuri community rejoices this festival in temples across Guwahati. “Temples in Borbari, Maligaon, Panjabari, Manipuri Basti, and the Vishnu Mandir in Kekura Nagar also establish their own Rath Yatra ceremonies,” he said.

The festivity spans over multiple days. While the initial procession took place on June 27, the concluding celebration is scheduled for July 5, marking the return journey of the deities a tradition similar to the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ observed in Puri.

Local communities prearranged cultural performances, community feasts, and spiritual discourses alongside the religious ceremonies, creating a wholesome festive environment. Several women were seen causal in rituals and singing religious songs in their innate talks, reflecting the community’s rich ethnic inheritance.

Rath Yatra: A Festival Rooted in Unity and Faith

The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, originated from the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath to the Gundicha Temple, symbolising his time with followers who cannot visit the temple otherwise. 

Typically, the festival spans nine days and is one of the few times when non-Hindus and devotees from all upbringings can observer and touch the deities.

Over the centuries, the festivity has spread to different parts of India and across the globe, becoming a symbol of spiritual inclusivity. In Assam, particularly among the Bishnupriya Manipuri and Meitei communities, it holds singular respect, drawing people from all age groups.

Government’s Role in Preserving Cultural Traditions

The Assam government’s initiative to support temple infrastructure and cultural events has been welcomed by the local communities. The Rs. 15 lakh grant allocated to Nath Mandir for temple building and festivities is seen as a positive step toward preservative indigenous religious practices.

“The government’s support is not just financial, it’s symbolic it shows recognition of our culture,” said Sujit Singha. However, both temple leaders expressed the need for timely release of funds to ensure smooth execution of such large-scale events.

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The Rath Yatra also emphasised the role of temples as community centers that foster unity, spirituality, and cultural identity.

Rath Yatra to Conclude on July 5

The final leg of the Rath Yatra at Nath Mandir will take place on July 5, aligning with the return journey of the deities back to their sanctum. Preparations are happening to safeguard the smooth conduct of the concluding march. Local volunteers, youth groups, and women’s governments are actively contributing in the arrangements.

As Rath Yatra 2025 continues its journey through chants, rituals, and community devotion, the festival serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity bringing people together in a shared spirit of faith, joy, and belonging.