The historic city of Puri bore witness to a breathtaking spectacle on Tuesday, as thousands of devotees physically hauled three colossal chariots in the annual Ratha Yatra. The chariots, towering at around 45 feet tall, housed the revered deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Lady Subhadra, and were tugged about 2 kilometres from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to their alternate residence.
This remarkable scene was set into motion symbolically by Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Ganeshi Lal, who initiated the event by tugging on the ropes tied to the principal chariot of Lord Jagannath.
As the majestic chariots meandered through Puri’s main street, the resonating rhythm of brass cymbals and hand drums filled the air, reverberating around the divinities ensconced on the canopied chariots. Devotees thronged the route, fervently chanting “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol,” creating an atmosphere of frenzied reverence and devotion.
The Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Divya Singha Deb, earlier conducted the ritualistic sweeping of the chariots using a golden-handled broom, a ceremony that marked the start of the festival. The festival, organised meticulously by the district administration and police to ensure safe and orderly conduct, attracts an estimated million devotees each year, converging on the town to partake in the auspicious event.
“This year, the enthusiasm among all, including the servitors who look after the Lords, was palpable and rituals were completed before time,” said Ranjan Kumar Das, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
As the deities made their ceremonial exit from the temple, Lord Balabhadra led the procession, followed by Lady Subhadra and later, Lord Jagannath. Each deity was installed on their respective chariots, with Puri’s Shankaracharya Swami Nisachalanada Saraswati marking his presence at the onset of the procession.
The event, however, was not without incident. A few people fell during the chariot pulling, resulting in five being rushed to hospital. Authorities had a special green corridor set up for swift patient transfers from the crowded route to medical facilities. Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among others, extended their greetings to devotees on the occasion of the Ratha Yatra.
In addition, special arrangements were in place to accommodate the massive turnout and deal with the hot and humid weather. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi hoped that the “divine journey of Lord Jagannath” would fill everyone’s lives with health, happiness, and spiritual enrichment.
The deities will stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, marking the end of their journey. The return journey, or ‘Bahuda Yatra,’ commences on June 28. The festival also saw a simultaneous celebration in Ahmedabad, where the Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the ‘Mangla Aarti’ at the local Jagannath temple.
