Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended his greetings on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Taking to 'X', Naveen Patnaik shared a heartfelt video and wrote, 'On the occasion of the holy Rath Yatra, I extend my best wishes to everyone. Jai Jagannath.'

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to the nation on the occasion, describing the festival as a 'unique confluence of faith and devotion'.

In a post on X, Shah highlighted the significance of the Rath Yatra, stating that it embodies the essence of moving forward while cherishing devotion, culture, and heritage.

'Hail Jagannath! Heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred festival of Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra. The Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath Ji is a unique confluence of faith and devotion, which teaches us that moving forward while cherishing devotion, culture, and heritage is at the core of our being. I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Veer Balabhadra, and Mata Subhadra for the welfare and progress of all,' Shah posted on X, as translated from Hindi.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended a heartfelt welcome to devotees on the occasion of the annual Rath Yatra, urging them to participate with utmost faith and devotion.

In his message, CM Majhi said, 'Join the Rath Yatra with faith and devotion, witness the divine glimpse of Mahaprabhu atop the chariot, and receive His blessings.'

The temple town of Puri is all set to witness the 2025 Jagannath Rath Yatra, which commences on Friday.

During the festival, devotees draw the grand chariots of the three deities -- Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister goddess Subhadra -- to the Gundicha temple in Puri, where the deities reside for a week and then return to the Jagannath temple. The Rath Yatra ceremony is expected to attract a large crowd, making traffic management a key issue. (ANI)