Ananya Lohia , Dhaka - Millions of devotees took part in the grand Rath Yatra celebrations organised by ISKCON Bangladesh, began on Thursday across 128 locations in Dhaka, turning the annual festival into one of the country's largest religious gatherings. A grand procession was carried was large crowds of devotees on day 1 of the festival, which will continue till 24.

Devotees from across Bangladesh gathered in large numbers to participate in the vibrant procession, chanting devotional hymns, singing dancing and pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The festival was marked by prayers, cultural performances and the distribution of prasadam, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.

While the festival in Puri, Odisha, is the world's largest, the celebration here in Dhaka is arguably the second largest given the immense turnout. ISKCON Bangladesh said the event concluded peacefully with volunteers and local authorities working together to manage the massive crowds and ensure smooth arrangements.

The successful celebration highlighted the spirit of faith, unity and harmony, with millions of devotees coming together to celebrate one of Hinduism's most significant festivals.