RANCHI, July 20, 2013: The nine-day Rath Yatra concluded with colourful celebrations in the state capital on Friday. The annual journey of the deities from Mausibadi - their maternal aunt's house to the famous Jagganath temple drew thousands of devotees to the streets. The devotees from across the state and also form the neighboring West Bengal participated in the celebrations which began at 3:30pm and concluded in three hours. A pleasant weather boosted the enthusiasm of the devotees. 

The devotees, along with the priests of the temple, pulled the decorated chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra and took them to Jagganath temple. With it the nine-day-long colourful fair held in Jagganathpur also came to an end. It is one of the occasions in Ranchi when thousands of locals and tribals come to celebrate together at one place. 

DSP, Dhurwa Anuranjan Kisphotta said the celebrations were held without any inconvenience to the devotees. An elaborate arrangement of security was made at the fair spot. The jawans of district police along with Jharkhand Armed Force were deployed around the Jagannath temple and the fair ground. 

Traffic cops were deployed to check vehicular movement. No vehicle was allowed to go towards Jagganath temple. At several places barricades were erected to stop vehicles from entering roads which led to the fair ground. 

Shivesh Singh, member of Jagannathpur Mandir Nayas Samiti, said the celebrations were fun-filled and many participated. 

The Jagannath temple was established in Ranchi in 1691 and the first such Rath Yatra took place a year later in 1692.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 20, 2013.