Puri: The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan commenced this evening amidst fervent celebrations in the sacred city of Puri, Odisha. Thousands of devotees thronged the Grand Trunk Road, transformed into a bustling procession route for the three majestic chariots carrying the deities.
President Droupadi Murmu performed the ceremonial parikrama around the chariots and offered her respects to the revered deities. Enthusiastic crowds joined forces to pull the colossal chariots from the ancient Jagannath Temple, dating back to the 12th century, to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers.
This festival commemorates the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt’s abode, Goddess Gundicha, culminating in their return after eight days. Our correspondent at the scene reported that the auspicious procession began with the elaborate royal ritual known as ‘Dhadi Pahandi’, accompanied by the resonant sounds of ghanta, kahali, and telingi instruments.
The chariot-pulling ceremony commenced following the ritualistic cleaning of the chariot decks, known as Chhera Pahanra, performed by Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati with a golden broom.
According to tradition, the initial pulling of the chariots was done a short distance before sunset, with the procession set to resume tomorrow.
Typically observed over a single day, this year’s Rath Yatra spans two days owing to special arrangements, allowing devotees ample time to participate in the sacred festivities.
