The holy town of Puri transformed into a sea of devotion as the nine-day Rath Yatra festival commenced on Friday, marking the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
Lakhs of devotees thronged Bada Danda to witness the grand procession, pulling the majestic chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana, and Nandighosa—amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” that echoed through the streets.
The chariot pulling began at 4:10 PM after the completion of key rituals. The day started with Mangala Alati at 7:15 AM, followed by Surya Puja, Dwarapala Puja, and Sakala Dhupa Puja. The Pahandi ritual, where the deities were ceremonially escorted to their chariots, began at 9:30 AM. Lord Sudarshana led the procession, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath, who arrived in a vibrant procession to Nandighosa by 1:00 PM.
The Chhera Pahanra ritual, performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba, saw him sweep the chariots, a symbolic act of humility, before the pulling commenced.
However, the first day faced challenges as Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot halted at Balagandi Chhak, Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana stopped near Marichikote Town Police Station, and Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa paused near Singhadwara after a short distance.
According to Shree Jagannath Temple’s Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, the chariot pulling will resume at 9:30 AM on Saturday.
The festival, expected to draw over 10 lakh devotees, is supported by robust security arrangements, including 200 platoons of police across eight zones for crowd control, traffic management, and coastal security. An Integrated Command and Control Room ensures smooth coordination.
Devotees, adorned in traditional attire, expressed their devotion through service, with the atmosphere charged with spiritual fervour and rhythmic chants.
