For the first time in history, the seaside town of Digha is set to witness a grand Rath Yatra, and the event will be flagged off by none other than Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
On June 27, 2025, CM Mamata Banerjee will pull the sacred rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot and sweep the path with a golden broom, emulating the tradition of Puri. The broom has been specially crafted with funds from the CM’s personal donation and has already been handed over to ISKCON by her.
Mamata Banerjee to Pull the Chariot Rope in Digha Rath Yatra, Will Sweep the Path with Golden Broom
Three individual chariots have been prepared for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The Rath Yatra will begin from the newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple and proceed to “Masi Bari” — a symbolic aunt’s house — at Old Digha, where the deities will stay for seven days until the Ulto Rath (Return Rath). A week-long fair and devotional programs will take place in the temple premises during this time.
Digha has already transformed into a major tourist destination following the opening of the Jagannath Temple. With the upcoming Rath Yatra, a massive tourist influx is expected. The district administration has confirmed tight security arrangements for crowd management and the smooth conduct of the festival.
According to ISKCON’s Vice-President Radharaman Das, “This will be the grandest Rath Yatra Digha has ever seen. CM Mamata Banerjee will personally sweep the road and pull the chariot rope. We expect an overwhelming number of devotees.”
Inspired by Puri’s Rath Yatra, Digha’s version is set to blend religious fervor with cultural celebration, putting West Bengal’s beach town on the national pilgrimage map.