The sacred Bahuda Yatra, marking the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Shree Mandira from Gundicha Temple, unfolded with immense devotion and fervour in Puri, Odisha.
The grand procession, a highlight of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drew thousands of devotees who braved intermittent drizzle to pull the majestic chariots through the Badadanda (Grand Road). The rituals commenced early Saturday with Mangala Alati at 7:05 AM, followed by Tadapa Lagi, Abakasha Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Gopal Ballabh, and morning Dhupa rituals between 7:15 AM and 9:10 AM.
The Pahandi procession, where the deities are ceremonially carried to their respective chariots, began at 9:55 AM and concluded by 12:30 PM. Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot led the procession at 2:50 PM, followed by Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa chariots, with the latter reaching Shree Mandira by 9:40 PM.
Despite light rain during the chariot pulling, devotees chanted “Hari Bol” and “Jai Jagannath,” accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of gongs and bells, creating a divine atmosphere. The chariots, stationed at the Nakachana Gate of Gundicha Temple, were pulled with utmost devotion. Lord Sudarshana was first escorted to Devi Subhadra’s chariot, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to their respective chariots, with Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi concluding the procession.
A significant moment was Lord Jagannath’s traditional stop at Mausi Maa Temple to savour the beloved Poda Pitha, a ritual symbolising his deep connection to Odia culture. The Gajapati Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deba, performed the sacred Chhera Pahanra ritual, sweeping the chariots with a golden broom, and conducted the Laxmi Narayan Bheta near Shree Nahar, a key tradition of the yatra.
Security was robust, with inner and outer cordons ensuring the smooth movement of the chariots. The Badadanda resonated with devotional songs, dance performances, and the rhythmic waving of chamara (fans) as devotees celebrated the divine return of the sibling deities.
The procession, marked by vibrant costumes and traditional rituals, concluded with the chariots reaching the Simhadwara of Shree Mandira, completing the Bahuda Yatra.
