Page 15 - Mann ki Baat June 2022 - English

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the 1 of July, the famous
journey of Lord Jagannath
is going to commence. All
of us are familiar with the
Puri Yatra in Odisha. People
make efforts to ensure that
on this occasion they get
the good fortune of going
to Puri. In other states
too, Jagannath Yatras
are taken out with great
gaiety and fervour. Lord
Jagannath Yatra begins
on Dwitiya, the second day
of the month of Ashadha.
In our texts, Ashadhasya
Dwitiya Diwase... Rath Yatra,
this is how the description
is found in Sanskrit shlokas.
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat
too, every year, Rath Yatra
begins from Ashadha
Dwitiya. I was in Gujarat,
so I also used to get the
privilege of serving in this
Yatra every year. Ashadha
Dwitiya, also known as
Ashadhi Beej, marks the
beginning of the new year
of Kutch on this day. I also
wish Happy New Year to
all my Kutchi brothers
and sisters. For me, this
day is also very special –
I remember, a day before
Ashadha Dwitiya, that is, on
the first Tithi of Ashadha, we
started a Sanskrit festival in
Gujarat, which comprises
songs, music and cultural
programs in Sanskrit
language. The name of
this event is – 'Ashadhasya

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