New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his heartfelt greetings to the global Kutchi community on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared a traditional Kutchi saying that reflects the deep bond the Kutchi community maintains with its homeland.

“Just as fish thrive in the vast ocean, wherever even one Kutchi lives, Kutch is present there. Today, on Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year, Ram Ram and heartfelt congratulations to all Kutchi brothers and sisters living across the country and around the world,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister’s message highlighted the enduring cultural identity of the Kutchi community and acknowledged its widespread presence across the country and overseas, where members of the community continue to preserve their traditions and heritage.

The greeting came after PM Modi earlier wished people on the occasion of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

He described the festival as a “radiant expression” of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. “Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. This is a radiant expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective participation and selfless service,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister also prayed for good health, happiness and prosperity for all and said: “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!”

Ashadhi Bij is celebrated as the Kutchi New Year and holds special significance for the people of Kutch in Gujarat as well as the global Kutchi diaspora.

The festival coincides with the onset of the monsoon in the region and is traditionally regarded as an important occasion for farming communities.

It is marked by cultural celebrations, community gatherings and the exchange of New Year greetings.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is also underway, where lakhs of devotees have gathered to witness the annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra across the country.

In Gujarat, the annual Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, regarded as the country’s second-largest after Odisha’s Puri, has begun on Ashadhi Bij, drawing large numbers of devotees.

–IANS

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