In Odisha, the world-famous ‘Bahuda Yatra’ of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is being held in the holy city of Puri today.
In this Yatra, the deities will return to the 12th-century shrine Sri Jagannath Temple in their chariots after spending a week at Sri Gundicha temple, considered their birthplace.
The ‘pahandi’ or procession of the deities is scheduled to begin at 12 noon after performing a number of rituals.
King of Puri Gajapati Maharaja Divya Singha Deb will perform ceremonial sweeping of the chariots, known as ‘Chhera Pahanra’ between 2.30 to 3.30 this afternoon which will be followed by fitting horses on the three chariots.
The chariot pulling will be held at 4 in the afternoon. Thousands of devotees witnessed the deities at the Sri Gundicha temple last evening during the ‘Sandhya darshan’ ritual.
Stringent security arrangements have been made for the Yatra as three people were killed and several others injured in a stampede near the Sri Gundicha Temple on 29th of last month amid the festivities.
This marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees to the sacred city. The streets of Puri buzz with vibrant performances as artists and devotees celebrate the occasion.