Last-minute preparations were in full swing at Agartala’s traditional Jagannath Bari on the occasion of Ulta Rath, the sacred return chariot festival, as devotees await the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra back to their temple from the Masir Bari.
The temple premises witnessed a flurry of activity since early morning, with workers engaged in decorating the chariot, cleaning the temple grounds, setting up illumination, and finalising arrangements for the day’s religious rituals.
The district administration and temple authorities worked jointly to put safety and crowd-management measures in place, aiming to ensure devotees could have a safe and orderly darshan amid the expected turnout.
The Ulta Rath, observed days after the main Rath Yatra, marks the deities’ return journey and holds deep religious significance for devotees across the region, drawing large crowds to the Jagannath Bari each year.
With preparations nearing completion by late morning, temple authorities expressed confidence that the day’s proceedings would go ahead smoothly, continuing the temple’s long-standing tradition of celebrating the festival with community participation and devotion.