The nine-day divine sojourn at Gundicha Temple ended in a blaze of devotion on Friday as Lord Jagannath, along with elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, began their grand return journey to Srimandir.
The sacred Bahuda Yatra turned the holy city into a living ocean of faith, with the air thick with the chants of “Jai Jagannath,” the rhythmic clang of cymbals and the thunder of chariot wheels on Bada Danda.
The day began early at Gundicha. Mangala Alati was performed at 8:25 AM, followed by a series of traditional rituals — Tadapa Lagi, Abakash Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Gopal Ballabh, Sakala Dhupa and Mangalarpana. At exactly 10:50 AM, the much-awaited Bahuda Pahandi commenced. The majestic procession of the deities from the Janma Bedi to their chariots lasted until 2:15 PM.
First came Chakraraj Sudarshan, who was placed on Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot. Then the mighty Balabhadra was carried in grand pahandi to his Taladhwaja. Devi Subhadra followed, and finally, the most awaited moment arrived — Lord Jagannath, swaying gently in the distinctive “dhadi pahandi” style, boarded the magnificent Nandighosha amid thunderous cheers that seemed to shake the very sky.
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb arrived in a traditional palanquin and performed the sacred Chera Pahanra ritual on all three chariots, sweeping the platforms with a golden broom — a timeless symbol of the king’s humble service to the Lord. After the chariots were decorated and the horses yoked, the pulling began.
At 4:30 PM, Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja rolled first along the grand avenue. Subhadra’s Darpadalana followed at 5:05 PM, and Mahaprabhu’s Nandighosha set off at 5:35 PM. The massive sea of devotees pulled the ropes with pure bhakti while security personnel maintained orderly cordons.
True to tradition, the chariots paused at Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath insisted on tasting the famous podapitha. Only after the sweet offering was accepted did Nandighosh resume its journey. Near Shree Nahara, another sacred ritual awaited — the Laxmi-Narayan Bheta. Gajapati Maharaja facilitated the ceremonial meeting of Goddess Lakshmi with her Lord. Once the rite concluded, the final stretch began.
At 10:57 PM, Nandighosh finally came to a halt before the majestic Singhadwara of Srimandir. The three chariots now stand in front of the Lion’s Gate, marking the successful completion of Bahuda Yatra.
From the first pahandi to the last pull of the ropes, Friday’s events once again proved that in Puri, faith is not just observed — it is lived, breathed and celebrated with every heartbeat. Jai Jagannath!
