Lord Venkatesh’s Rath Yatra Mesmerises Indore City

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): City witnessed a grand spiritual spectacle on Friday as the third-largest traditional Rath Yatra of the nation rolled out from Shri Lakshmi Venkatesh Devasthan Chatribagh. Echoing chants of “Govinda Govinda” thousands of devotees pulled the intricately decorated silver chariot carrying lord Venkatesh creating a divine atmosphere through the city.

Devotees gathered in droves many with eyes brimming with devotion to catch a glimpse of their beloved deity. The streets came alive with devotional music by the 80-member Nashik band and bhajan mandalis from across India including the soul-stirring tunes of Dwarka Das Mantri group from Dewas.

Saint Ramanuj swamiji seated on a lotus blessed followers while Vishnuprapannacharya Maharaj walked barefoot showering blessings.

Vibrant tableaux depicting spiritual themes, patriotic messages and gau seva ideals captivated onlookers. From Chatribagh, the rath traversed key markets like Narsingh Bazaar, Sitlamata, Gorakund and Sarafa, receiving floral tributes at over 200 stops. Women and youth swept the path ahead while beautifully adorned devotees danced in joy behind.

The grandeur extended to the deity’s entourage—Garuda, Hanuman, Ashwa and Gaj Vahan chariots flag-bearing commandos and radiant saints in chariots. Streets were festooned with saffron flags and flower canopies.

The morning began with gau Ankut mahotsav for cow welfare. Over 250 volunteers using modern technology coordinated the massive event with utmost discipline. The festivities will culminate with a sacred shanti Abhishek on Sunday.