IMPHAL — The Kang (Rath Jatra) festival began on Monday without fanfare in view of the prevailing situation in Manipur. The pulling of Kang- the traditional jumbo size chariot from Shree Shree Govindajee gate to palace gate marks the necessary rituals of the nine-day festival.
Kang Chingba or pulling of Kang-the main event of the festival and offering of flowers and fruits to Shree Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra was held at Shree Shree Govindajee temple premises in Imphal East district under necessary security arrangement.
Unlike the previous celebrations prior to last year’s unrest in the state, only few devotees turned up in their traditional attires to take part in the festival despite the rain.
During the occasion, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren wrote on X, “On the sacred occasion of Kang (Rath-Yatra), sought the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple. Standing before the divine presence of Lord Jagannath, I prayed for peace, well-being, prosperity, and happiness for everyone in Manipur.”
On the sacred occasion of Kang (Rath-Yatra), sought the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple.
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 8, 2024
Standing before the divine presence of Lord Jagannath, I prayed for peace, well-being, prosperity, and happiness for everyone in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/J128abxvQm
However, there were no reports of pulling of Kang and no traditional programmes held at mandaps located in different localities or leikais.