Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024: The annual Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra begins today in Odisha’s Puri. Due to specific celestial arrangements, the religious event will extend over two days this year. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, alongside millions of devotees from across India.
The Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth and timely conduct of the festival. Special security measures are in place for the President’s visit. While a VIP zone has been planned for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers, and other dignitaries, a buffer zone has been arranged for the President, according to ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar.
Usually a one-day religious event, the Rath Yatra was last held over two days in 1971. During the Yatra, rituals related to the Hindu deities – Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra – are performed.
Jagannath Puri Ceremonial Pahandi Ritual Commences
Also known as the Chariot Festival, the Yatra marks the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days. The chariots have been parked in front of the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath temple, from where they will be taken to Gundicha temple, where the Raths will stay for a week.
The ceremonial ‘Pahandi’ ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra commenced today (July 7). Amid ‘Jai Jagannath’ chants and the sounds of gongs, conches, and cymbals, the air at Lion’s Gate of the Puri temple resonated as Lord Sudarshan was first escorted to Darpadalan, the chariot of Devi Subhadra. Following Lord Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra was taken to his Taladhwaja chariot. Goddess Subhadra was then brought to her Darpadalan chariot in a special procession by servitors.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, along with millions of devotees from across India. The festival offers a vibrant and spiritual experience for the lakhs of devotees who will gather to witness this auspicious occasion. This year, the event will be held for two days due to specific celestial arrangements.
#WATCH | Large number of devotees gather in Odisha’s Puri to take the darshan of Lord Jagannath as the two-day Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra to commence today. pic.twitter.com/C1qFOnLn6e
— ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2024
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