The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began across Bangladesh on Thursday with colourful processions, devotional songs and religious ceremonies, drawing thousands of devotees to streets in Dhaka and other districts as authorities enforced heightened security to ensure peaceful celebrations.
In the capital, a nine‑day festival began with an Agnihotra Yajna at the Swamibag Ashram to pray for world peace and prosperity, followed by a discussion meeting and the ceremonial start of the Rath Yatra at around 2:30pm.
The procession travelled through key roads, including Joykali Temple, Shapla Chattar, Paltan, the National Press Club, the High Court, Doel Chattar, the Central Shaheed Minar and Jagannath Hall before concluding at the Dhakeshwari National Temple.
The return Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 24 along the same route.
Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest alongside senior government officials, diplomats and representatives of Hindu religious organisations.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place for the festival.
Patrol teams, intelligence personnel, CCTV surveillance, foot patrols, motorcycle units and traffic police were deployed along the procession route, while more than 500 volunteers assisted in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of devotees.
Beyond the capital, the festival was celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Naogaon, Atrai, Srimangal, Rangamati, Manikganj, Sherpur and Bogra, where thousands of devotees participated in chariot-pulling ceremonies, Harinam Sankirtan, special prayers and religious discussions.
In many places, traditional fairs featuring sweets, toys, handicrafts, seasonal fruits and household goods accompanied the celebrations, turning the festival into a major social and cultural gathering alongside its religious significance.
The nine-day observance, one of the most important festivals of the Hindu community, will conclude on July 24 with the Ulto Rath Yatra (return chariot procession), when the deities will be ceremonially taken back to their temples, bringing the nationwide celebrations to a close.