Kolkata, Jul 3 (PTI) — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath on Thursday, praying for the peace and prosperity of all mankind. Banerjee visited the ISKCON Rath Yatra fairground at the Maidan area, where she observed the majestic chariots carrying Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. With devotion, she offered prayers and performed the sacred ‘arati’ ritual in front of the deities.
Addressing senior monks in attendance, Banerjee said, "Please give us strength, and fill our hearts with devotion. I am praying to the Lord for the peace and prosperity of every single human being." Earlier, on June 27, Banerjee had inaugurated the Rath Yatra at the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, located in Purba Medinipur district, thus marking the start of the grand festival. The return journey of the chariots, known as the Ulto Rath or return car festival, is slated for July 5.
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