The five-day-long Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj commenced on Saturday in Bhubaneswar, coinciding with the sacred occasion of Ashokastami.
Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the revered chariot festival, which saw Lord Lingaraj’s majestic wooden chariot roll out amidst chants of Haribol, huluhuli, and the resonant sounds of conch shells and temple bells.
The day began with early morning rituals, starting at 5 am with Mangala Aarti, followed by Sahana Mela darshan. The Mahasnan ritual was conducted between 7 and 8 pm, after the traditional Rosha (Pak Puja) and Chhamu Pariskar Niti.
Although there was a delay in the chariot pulling, which began later than the scheduled 3:30 pm start, lakhs of devotees stood patiently under the scorching sun to participate in the spiritual procession, undeterred by the heat or holdup.
To maintain security and ensure smooth conduct, a robust police arrangement was in place, including 13 platoons of forces under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in the temple vicinity.
As part of the Yatra, Lord Lingaraj, accompanied by Dolagobinda and sister Rukmini, will visit the sacred Rameswaram shrine. The Bahuda Yatra (return journey) is scheduled to take place four days later, concluding the five-day divine procession.
