In a historic milestone, the remote and disputed region of Kotia in Odisha’s Koraput district witnessed its first-ever Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The grand chariot festival, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, was organised by the district administration in collaboration with the Shabar Shrikshetra Puja Committee.
The event not only marked a spiritual triumph but also underscored the state government’s commitment to fostering development in this border region, long contested by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The Rath Yatra, a vibrant celebration rooted in Odisha’s cultural and spiritual heritage, saw thousands of devotees from Kotia and surrounding areas gather to pull the sacred chariot, chanting “Jai Jagannath” with fervour.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, and Animal Husbandry Minister Gokulananda Mallik.
The festival began with traditional rituals, with the deities ceremonially placed on a beautifully decorated chariot crafted in accordance with sacred specifications. The sight of the chariot rolling through Kotia’s streets was a moment of immense pride for locals, who expressed joy at being part of such a significant event. “We feel blessed to have the opportunity to pull Lord Jagannath’s chariot in a place like Kotia,” said Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo. “This is a historic day, and we are committed to ensuring the region’s development, bringing the state’s welfare schemes to every resident.”
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari elaborated on the government’s vision, stating, “The state is dedicated to Kotia’s progress. Plans are underway to ensure that every government scheme reaches the people here, strengthening their livelihoods and fostering sustainable development.” The ministers’ remarks resonated with the crowd, who saw the Rath Yatra as not only a spiritual event but also a beacon of hope for Kotia’s future.
The event also saw the participation of notable figures such as Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, MLAs Raghuram Machha, Rama Chandra Kadam, and Rupu Bhatra, former Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi, former MLAs Praful Pangi and Kailash Kulesika, Sunabeda Municipality Chairman Dr. Rajendra Patra, and Kotia Sarpanch Lehu Gemel. Their presence highlighted the festival’s significance as a unifying force, bringing together leaders and locals in a shared expression of faith.
Kotia, a cluster of 21 villages along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has long been a region of contention due to overlapping territorial claims. The successful organisation of the Rath Yatra underscores Odisha’s efforts to strengthen its cultural and administrative presence in the area. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere, marked by devotional chants, traditional music, and the rhythmic pulling of the chariot, showcased the region’s deep-rooted connection to Lord Jagannath’s legacy.
The event was meticulously planned, with the district administration ensuring robust arrangements for security, crowd management, and devotee facilities. Local artisans contributed to the chariot’s construction, incorporating traditional designs that mirrored the grandeur of Puri’s iconic Rath Yatra. The festival concluded with prayers and offerings, leaving devotees with a sense of divine fulfilment.
For the residents of Kotia, the inaugural Rath Yatra was more than a religious event—it was a celebration of identity, unity, and progress. As the chariot rolled through the streets, it carried with it the aspirations of a community eager for growth and recognition.
With the state government’s commitment to development and the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Kotia’s first Rath Yatra has set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future.
