NEW DELHI — On the auspicious occasion of the annual Rath Yatra festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to citizens across the nation and the global diaspora, describing the chariot festival as a radiant symbol of India’s civilizational legacy.
In his official message, the Prime Minister emphasized that the ancient traditions of the Rath Yatra continue to inspire generations by reinforcing the core societal values of humility, collective participation, and selfless service.
Multi-Lingual Message and Social Harmony
The Prime Minister shared his greetings in both English and Odia on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), invoking the blessings of the deity for national progress:
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Spiritual and Social Values: Shri Modi noted that the festival transcends religious rituals, serving as a powerful expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage that brings diverse communities together.
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A Prayer for Prosperity: Extending his wishes for the collective wellbeing of society, the Prime Minister wrote:
“May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!”
The Cultural Context: The Rath Yatra, most prominently celebrated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, represents one of the oldest and largest grand congregations in the world. By utilizing regional languages alongside English to mark the event, the leadership underscores a commitment to honoring regional cultural identities while promoting the shared spiritual fabric and unity of the nation.
