AGARTALA, July 18 (TIWN): Amid tight security, the historic Ratha yatra began on Saturday with full devotion and enthusiasm in the state.

Ratha Yatra is a major Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath (avatar of Lord Vishnu) held mainly at Puri during the months of June or July. However, along with the other part of the nation the festival is also celebrated in the state with pomp and gaiety.

Devotees from all over Tripura celebrate Ratha Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. The festival marks the annual journey of the three deities - Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra. Amid tight security arrangements, Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra began at Agartala Jagannath Bari temple, this morning.

To mark the festival, ‘Maha Rath Yatra’, a vast number of devotees gathered in the temple right from the morning.

Ratha yatra is one of the famous festivals and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year at the Jagannath temple of Agartala as well as at Melagarh.

Rath Yatra in other words the Chariot Festival is the only day when devotees who are not allowed into the temple can get a chance to see the deities. This festival is a symbol of equality and integration.

The 3 deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balaram and their sister Subhadra are worshipped within the temple, on this festival they are taken to the streets of Puri so that everyone can have the fortune to see them. The 3 deities make an annual journey to their aunt's house.

Thousands of devotees thronged the city streets across the route amid tight security right from early morning to witness the rath yatra. On the occasion, all the devotees pray for peace, prosperity to the Lords. As a part of the observance of auspicious Rath Jatra festival, the main programme is observed at Melagarh.

On the occasion of Ratha Yatra, fair are held at many places of Tripura. The largest Ratha of Tripura is found at Melaghar. Thousands of people take part on this festival at Melaghar. Agartala Jaganath Temple is decorated on the eve of this occasion. The Rath Yatra procession attracts thousands of devotees from all over Tripura to Agartala.

Prior to the traverse, all the priests have performed their rituals as per the tradition in the Jagannath Bari temple at Agartala. 
The festival will end after seven days when the deities make their way back to the Jagannath temple.