New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday extended his greetings to the people of the country on the auspicious occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Taking to social media platform X, LoP Gandhi wrote, 'Heartfelt greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji. I hope this sacred festival brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into everyone's lives.'

The temple town of Puri is all set to witness the 2025 Jagannath Rath Yatra, which commences today. 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, where the deities reside for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra. Taking to his official 'X' handle, PM Modi wished for everyone's 'happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health'.

'On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone's life. Jai Jagannath!', PM Modi's 'X' post read.

Other than the Jagannath Rath Yatra, PM Narendra Modi also wished on the occasion of Kutch New Year, which begins on the second day of Ashadh month of the Hindu calendar.

'Best wishes, especially to the Kutchi community all around the world, on the special occasion of Ashadhi Bij. May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity and wonderful health for everyone', PM Modi wrote in his 'X' post.

President Droupadi Murmu also extended her warm greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad.

'On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. By witnessing Lord Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan on the chariot, millions of devotees experience divine bliss,' the President wrote in a post on X in Odia.

In her message, she prayed for global peace, friendship, and harmony. 'The human-like divine play of the deities is the speciality of the Rath Yatra. On this auspicious occasion, my prayer to the Lord is that peace, friendship, and harmony prevail throughout the world,' she added. (ANI)