Puri, June 27 -- As the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra began in Puri on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra said that this is a beautiful tradition followed by the people of Odisha.

Talking about the Rath Yatra, Patra told ANI, " Since times immemorial, it is believed that Lord Jagannath himself resides here and from here, he runs the universe... After the 'Snaan Purnima', traditionally, the Lord falls sick and is treated. And today, he will set off for the Gundicha Temple (the abode of his aunt), which is 3 km away. This is a beautiful tradition followed by the people of Odisha... The Lord himself steps out to give 'darshan' to his devotees..."

Earlier today, Patra shared a video on his official X handle, extending wi...