By Rajni Pandey | July 8, 2024
Lakhs of people gathered in Puri as the Rath Yatra festivities began, marking a grand celebration that sees the pulling of giant chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
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President Droupadi Murmu performed a 'parikrama' of the three chariots and bowed before the deities, paying her respects as part of the sacred rituals.
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Along with President Murmu, Governor Raghubar Das, CM Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan symbolically started the 'yatra' by pulling the ropes of Nandighosh, Lord Jagannath’s chariot.
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The 'yatra' began at around 5:20 pm, following the visit of Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanada Saraswati and his disciples to the chariots of the deities.
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The Puri's titular king completed the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual, a symbolic act of sweeping the chariots, signifying humility and the equality of all devotees before the deities.
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The Singha Dwar of the Puri temple echoed with 'Jai Jagannath' chants and the sounds of gongs, conches, and cymbals as the Rath Yatra procession commenced.
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Lord Sudarshan was the first to be escorted to Darpadalan, the chariot of Devi Subhadra, amidst great fervor and devotion from the assembled crowd.
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Following Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra was ceremoniously taken to his Taladhwaja chariot, continuing the sacred traditions of the Rath Yatra.
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Devi Subhadra was brought to her Darpadalan chariot in a special procession by servitors, marking her revered place in the festival.
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Finally, Lord Jagannath was taken to his chariot in a grand ceremonial procession, concluding the 'Pahandi' ritual and marking the start of the deities' journey to the Gundicha Temple.
Image: PTI