Puri, Odisha, July 16: The annual and world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began on Thursday in the sacred city of Puri, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad. Regarded as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, the festival marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

The deities were brought out of the sanctum sanctorum in the traditional Pahandi procession, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of gongs and cymbals and chants of “Jai Jagannath” that resonated across the city. Devotees gathered in large numbers along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to witness the sacred procession and seek the blessings of the sibling deities.

In accordance with tradition, the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri performed the sacred Chhera Pahanra ritual, ceremonially sweeping the chariots with a golden broom as a symbol of equality before the Lord. The three grand chariots—Nandighosha of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra, and Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra—were then readied for the ceremonial pulling by devotees.

The Odisha government has deployed extensive security arrangements for the festival, including thousands of police personnel, CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and emergency response teams to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Special arrangements for drinking water, medical assistance, and crowd management have also been made for pilgrims.

The Rath Yatra holds deep spiritual significance for devotees, who believe that pulling the chariots brings divine blessings and liberation from worldly suffering. The festival also showcases Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and continues to attract tourists, researchers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.

The deities will remain at the Gundicha Temple for several days before returning to the Jagannath Temple during the Bahuda Yatra. The annual chariot festival remains a powerful symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural unity, further reinforcing Puri’s status as one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.

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