Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dharmendra Pradhan sought blessings from Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in Puri on Friday.

As the Jagannath Rath Yatra has commenced on Friday, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat termed the festival a 'symbol' of antiquity of 'Sanatan culture' and its continuity.

He mentioned that for many generations, the festival has been celebrated as a symbol of unity and uniting the people of India. Shekhawat extended gratitude for getting opportunity to attend Rath Yatra and seeking blessings from Puri Shankaracharya.

'This festival is a symbol of the antiquity of Sanatan culture, as well as its continuity. For many centuries, this festival has been celebrated as a symbol of unity, uniting the people of India and bringing together followers of different faiths from around the world. Evidence of this can be found in written history spanning thousands of years. Fortunately, I have got the opportunity to attend this Rath Yatra, I will get the chance to see Lord Jagannath Prabhu, but above all, I am fortunate that I have got the opportunity to come here on Puri Peeth and see Puri Shankaracharya, to take his blessings, to listen to his dialogue', Shekhawat told reporters.

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended greetings on the occasion.

'On the auspicious day of this Ratha Yatra, I pray that the blessings of the Lord are with everyone. The country continues to be peaceful, developing, and be complete is what is in the hearts of lord...On this auspicious day, I extend good wishes to the countrymen,' he said.

During the festival in Puri, 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. The Rath Yatra ceremony is expected to attract a large crowd, making traffic management a key issue. (ANI)