WORLD FAMOUS RATHA YATRA BEGINS

Puri (The Quiver) :Today on Ratha Yatra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were taken to their magnificent chariots by the servitors in a traditional procession known as Pahandi Bije.The deities are set out to visit Gundicha temple accompained by large number of devotees.

The rituals of the Holy Trinity are being completed three hours ahead of schedule. The Magala Alati and Mailama niti of Lord Jagannath were completed by 3.30 am.Other rituals proceeding are also being conducted smoothly.

At first, Chakraraj Sudarsan was ushered to Nandighosha chariot on Dhadi Pahandi procession followed by the Pahandi of Lord Balabhadra to Taladhwaja chariot. Later Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath were placed atop their respective chariots.

Meanwhile, many devotees have reached to Badadanda in large number to witness the world famous Rath Yatra festival of the deities and to pull their chariots.

Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb arrived at the three chariots on his royal palanquin from the Raja Nahara (royal palace) to perform his duty as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath.

After that the king, popularly called Gajapati and first servitor of Lord Jagannath, purifies the chariots by doing Chhera Pahara, during which the kind sweeps the chariots. Soon after this ritual is completed, the chariots will pulled by the devotees towards the Gundicha temple.

The district administration has formed three teams for which 39 fire services personnel have been engaged to tackle probable drowning cases on beach during Rath Yatra.  

Moreover, as many as 10 fire pumps will be there at Bada Danda to discharge water. A special rescue team will also be engaged by Puri Fire Services department for round the clock service to the needy.