The Eastern Voice Correspondent

Bokaro. Lord Jagannath’s Bahuda Yatra (return journey) was celebrated with immense reverence, devotion, and jubilation in Bokaro Steel City. Following the prescribed rituals and prayers, the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balabhadra were brought out of the temple premises and seated upon a beautifully decorated chariot. Before the procession commenced, the Executive Director (Materials Management) performed the traditional chariot-cleaning ritual (Chera-Panhara) with great devotion. Members of the Bokaro Mahila Samiti, other dignitaries and a large number of devotees attended the event.

With the collective cooperation of city residents and devotees, the return journey began from the Ram Mandir complex in Janvrit-1. Throughout the procession, devotees earned spiritual merit by pulling the chariot with deep devotion. The Bahuda Yatra proceeded from Ram Mandir via Pattharkatta Chowk, Gandhi Chowk (City Centre) and the Bokaro General Hospital route, finally reaching the Jagannath Temple. Along the route, voluntary organizations, the Bokaro Mahila Samiti and various social groups made excellent arrangements to provide drinking water and refreshing cold beverages to the devotees.
This event serves as a significant initiative by the Bokaro Steel Plant to strengthen the city’s cultural and social fabric and foster community participation. Such religious and cultural festivals instill a spirit of mutual harmony, unity, and service among the residents of the city.