West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 28, 2025 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is all set to inaugurate the much-awaited Rath Yatra festival in Digha, a popular coastal town, with grand traditional ceremonies that reflect the cultural richness and religious fervor of the region. The event will witness the Chief Minister pulling the rope of the majestic chariot, marking the official start of the festivities. Alongside this, a unique and symbolic ritual — the cleaning of the ceremonial route with a golden broom — will be performed, underscoring the blend of tradition and innovation that Mamata Banerjee’s administration seeks to promote.

Rath Yatra, one of the most celebrated festivals in eastern India, involves the procession of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike. The festival is deeply rooted in Bengal’s spiritual landscape and has been a key cultural event in the region for decades. This year, the government has taken extra efforts to enhance the experience for participants, incorporating special rituals and improved arrangements for crowd management, sanitation, and security.

According to sources from the Chief Minister’s office, Mamata Banerjee will personally pull the rope attached to the chariot at the Digha Rath Yatra starting point. This act is more than ceremonial — it symbolizes the unity and collective spirit of the people, emphasizing that leadership is intertwined with public participation. “The rope pulling by the Chief Minister signifies her commitment to lead the people with their blessings and cooperation,” said a senior official involved in organizing the event.

The golden broom ritual, a unique addition this year, has garnered much attention and praise. Traditionally, Rath Yatra routes are cleaned by volunteers to maintain sanctity and ensure a smooth passage of the chariot. However, Mamata Banerjee’s decision to use a golden broom elevates this practice to a symbolic gesture of prosperity and purity. The broom will be used to sweep the entire Rath Yatra route, a gesture that highlights cleanliness and renewal, two key themes in the state government’s vision for West Bengal.

Local organizers have been preparing for weeks to ensure that the roads are properly cleaned and decorated in advance. Special teams equipped with modern cleaning tools have been deployed, but the symbolic golden broom sweeping by the Chief Minister adds a spiritual dimension to the preparations, signifying a fresh start and the removal of any obstacles that might hinder the festivities.

The Rath Yatra event in Digha is expected to draw a large crowd from across the state and neighboring regions. The government has announced a comprehensive security plan, including deployment of police personnel, traffic regulation, and emergency medical services to manage the anticipated influx of devotees. Additionally, arrangements for sanitation and waste management along the route have been significantly upgraded this year to ensure a hygienic environment throughout the event.

Mamata Banerjee’s participation in the Rath Yatra also marks a significant political and cultural statement. Over the years, she has been known for promoting Bengal’s cultural heritage and involving herself personally in important religious festivals. This year’s event at Digha is no exception, reflecting her continued commitment to connect with grassroots communities through traditional celebrations.

As preparations near completion, excitement is building among devotees and residents of Digha and nearby areas. Many see the Chief Minister’s role in the Rath Yatra as a blessing and an endorsement of the festival’s significance in the socio-cultural fabric of West Bengal. The combination of ancient rituals with modern organizational efforts promises a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.

The Digha Rath Yatra will begin with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s symbolic act of pulling the chariot’s rope and the ceremonial sweeping of the procession route with a golden broom. These unique ceremonies highlight the government’s focus on tradition, community participation, and a renewed vision for a prosperous and clean West Bengal. The festival is poised to be one of the grandest celebrations in recent years, reflecting both the cultural pride and progressive aspirations of the state.