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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46867, member: 636"] Hindu devotees across Bangladesh marked Ratha Yatra today with vibrant celebrations honoring Lord Jagannath. The sacred festival honors the yearly trek of Jagannath and his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from their main temple to Gundicha Temple. Religious leaders say the observance starts on Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Aashar month according to Hindu tradition. The festivities will conclude July 5 when worshippers conduct Ulto Ratha Yatra to return the deities. Various temples and religious groups organized special events throughout the country. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness planned a nine-day celebration program for Dhaka residents. Dhamrai district hosted the nation's most traditional and oldest Ratha Yatra ceremony. Thousands of believers gathered at Swamibagh temple at 3 p.m. for a massive procession toward Dhakeshwari National Temple. The colorful parade moved through major city landmarks such as Jaikali Temple intersection, Motijheel Shapla Chattar, and Central Shaheed Minar. Decorated trucks carried additional participants as the crowd sang devotional music and played traditional instruments. Worshippers wore bright traditional clothing as they pulled rope-connected chariots through busy streets. Large crowds lined the parade route to watch the religious spectacle unfold across the capital. Dhaka Metropolitan Police deployed extra officers to ensure public safety during the massive gathering. The return procession will follow the same path July 5 to bring the sacred chariots back to Swamibagh temple. India's Puri celebration remains the world's largest and most ancient version of this chariot festival. [/QUOTE]

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