New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extendedgreetings to the people on the occasion of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Wishing happiness and prosperity to everyone, PM Modi tookto Twitter and wrote, "Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion ofthe Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings for the goodhealth, happiness and prosperity of everyone. Jai Jagannath." PresidentRam Nath Kovind also wished the nation for Jagannath Rath Yatra.

"Greetings and good wishes to fellow citizens on theauspicious occasion of Rath Yatra. May the blessings of Lord Jagannath bringpeace, happiness and prosperity to everyone's lives," official Twitterhandle of Rashtrapati Bhavan read. The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra began onThursday morning.  Rath Yatra, or, the'chariot festival', marks the annual journey of the three deities - Nandighosa(Lord Jagannath), Taladwaja (Lord Balabhadra) and Darpadalan (DeviSubhadra)  - from the 12th centuryJagannath Temple to Devi Gundicha temple.

The deities are placed in three wooden chariots which arepulled by devotees. The Gujarat Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated at the sametime as the Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri, which attracts millions of Hindupilgrims every year. Gujarat Rath Yatra is considered to be most significantafter Odisha's Rath Yatra.