By Soumya Ranjan Mahaprabhu Jai Shree Jagannath Swami Ki Jai
One of the most important Hindu holidays observed in Odisha every year is the Jagannath Rath Yatra. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the waxing phase of the lunar month of Asadh.
In Short
- Rath Yatra in Puri begins today with over a lakh devotees already in town
- Security has been intensified with 10,000 personnel, AI surveillance and more
- IMD has forecast thunderstorms and strong winds for Friday
Extensive preparations are in place to handle the influx of thousands of devotees from all over India and overseas as the pilgrim town of Puri hosts the grand Rath Yatra festival on Friday. Following the conclusion of customary rites, the yearly chariot procession of the sibling deities—Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath—is set to start at 4 pm.
After the ceremonial Pahandi and Chhera Pahanra are finished, the magnificent chariots, which are now parked outside the Srimandir’s Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), will roll down the Badadanda (Grand Road) in the pilgrim city.
In order to bring the festive spirit to life, artisans are painstakingly decora
ting the chariots for the Rath Yatra with elaborate carvings, colorful fabrics, traditional motifs, and flower garlands.
Craftspeople are laboriously adorning the chariots for the Rath Yatra with intricate carvings, vibrant textiles, traditional motifs, and floral garlands in an effort to capture the festive spirit.
By Thursday evening, almost one lakh pilgrims had already reached Puri, according to police sources, and many more were anticipated to join in the festivities. To guarantee the event’s safe and orderly execution, the Odisha police and civil administration have been put on high alert.
Approximately 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed to control the large crowd. Furthermore, Puri and the route to Konark, a popular nearby tourist destination, now have over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras.
From the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, the gods Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are transported on wooden chariots during the Yatra.
On the morning of the yearly Rath Yatra festival, artists performed lively cultural acts outside the Jagannath Temple, creating a joyous atmosphere for the grand procession.
Although the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert warning of the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph in Puri and surrounding districts, the weather looks to be pleasant for the Rath Yatra today.
The holy town of Puri hosts the Rath Yatra, also called the Chariot Festival, every year for nine days. This festival is unique because it is inclusive. Devotees from all walks of life are able to take part in the grand procession and festivities as the deities are brought out of the temple sanctum and into the open.
At Ahmedabad’s historic Shree Jagannathji Mandir, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel pulled the chariot alongside thousands of worshippers. In Ahmedabad, Lord Jagannath received a Guard of Honour for the first time. CM Bhupendra Patel ceremoniously flagged off the chariot procession and offered prayers.
Photo Credits: ANI and social media