VHP backs annual Rathyatra
Says it's a symbol of unity, police should give cover

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday put its strength behind the Jamalpur Jagannath Temple Trust for holding the annual Rathyatra despite cncerns from various quarters that the proposed July 12 procession has potential to spark off communal frenzy in the state. The annual feature of the city is known to have flared up communal riots in the past. Now that the state is limping back to normality after three months of worst comunal riots in its history, holding the Rathyatra could damage the peace process.

Top police officials of the stated had earlier expressed apprehensions about the Rathyatra and had recommended that the procession be called off. Officials had siad it would be Herculean task for the police to provide security cover to the procession in which thousands of devotees participate, particularly in light of the fact that it passes through Walled City's most sensitive areas.

Terming the Rathyatra as a symbol of country's cultural unity, state VHP president Dilip Trivedi said in an official statement on Wednesday that like ever year, all trusts and organisations will extend total support and co-operation to the Rathyatra. VHP leaders will also met trustees of Jagannath Temple to assure them of VHP's help and assistance in this regards, he added.

Mr. Trivedi further said the Rathyatra should be aken through its usual route and stressed that police and administration must take all the necessary steps to ensure smooth and peaceful completion of the procession.

The Rathyatra, which comprises three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balram and their sister Subhadra, commences early in the morning from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area. Several akhadas participate in the yatra and display exercises of physical vigour. Tonnes of prasad is distributed along the route of the yatra, which features elaborately decorated elephants and horses. After passing through the main roads and by-lanes in the Walled City, it reaches back the temple late in the evening.

Republished from The Asian Age