Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay upheld the Gajpati Maharaja tradition in Dokda’s historic chariot procession, pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot for the welfare, prosperity and happiness of the people

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay fulfilled the Gajpati Maharaja tradition in Dokda’s historic chariot procession: pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath wishing prosperity, wealth and happiness for the state’s residents. He also performed the sacred tradition of Chhera Pahara, delivering a message of service, dedication and humility. Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sahay today participated in the historic Sri Jagannath Chariot Festival-2026 held in the village Dokda of Kansabel development block in Jaspur district. On this occasion he, together with his spouse Mrs. Kaushlya Sahay, performed the traditional role of Gajpati Maharaja and performed proper worship of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, also wishing the people of the state prosperity, happiness and excellent health. The Chief Minister, while performing the sacred tradition of Chhera Pahara, symbolically swept the path ahead of the deity’s chariot with a golden broom and sprinkled sandalwood‑mixed holy water. Afterwards he, along with thousands of devotees, pulled the rope of Lord Jagannath’s chariot to commence the procession. Throughout the Dokda area the shouts of "Jai Jagannath", the sound of conches, bhajans‑kirtans and Harinam sang were heard, making the atmosphere devout. The Chief Minister wished all devotees a successful procession and said that Dokda’s historic chariot procession is a living symbol of faith, culture and timeless traditions. He said that this glorious tradition, running since 1942, continues to energize popular devotion. With public cooperation the temple was renovated and after the consecration in 2025 this is the second grand chariot procession being organized. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Dokda for giving him the opportunity to uphold the Gajpati Maharaja tradition. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh has an ancient and intimate relationship with Lord Jagannath. The offering of rice for "Devabhoj" is still used in the grand prasadam of Puri, a vivid proof of this cultural bond. On this occasion the Chief Minister mentioned various government welfare schemes, stating that more than 11 lakh Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme homes have been completed in the state as per the Prime Minister’s guarantee. Twenty‑nine instalments of the Mother Vandan Scheme have been released and thousands of devotees have benefited through Ram Lalla Darshan and the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme. Development of major religious sites in the state is also being given priority. He said that to provide relief to electricity consumers the surcharge waiver scheme period has been extended by three months. Through the Chief Minister Helpline 1076, citizens’ problems are being resolved round the clock. Through Atal Digital Service Centres, over 520 government services including banking facilities are being provided in villages. He said that important work is underway to soon connect Jaspur district to the rail network, with the Dharamjagarg‑Lohardaga rail project already approved. Also, the approval of a medical college in Jaspur district will open new possibilities in health and higher education. During the procession, famous kirtan groups from Odisha presented bhajans and kirtans, making the atmosphere devotional. Amidst drums, mridangam, cymbals and conch sounds, devotees shouted praises of the deity and joined the procession. Participation of thousands of women, youth, children and senior citizens turned the event into a grand celebration of faith and folk culture. Present at the event were Padma Shri Jageshwar Yadav, District Panchayat Chairman Salik Sahay, Commissioner Narendra Duga, IG Deepak Kumar Jha and many other members of the Jagannath Temple organising committee and numerous devotees.