Lakhs throng Puri for Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

The nine-day annual Rath Yatra of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will be held with full public participation after two years

As the countdown for the much-awaited Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins, thousands of devotees from across the country have started thronging this pilgrim town while three decorated chariots are ready to be pulled from the 12th century shrine.

The enthusiasm among the devotees is clearly visible across the state as the nine-day annual Rath Yatra of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will be held with full public participation after two years.

The devotees were denied entry into the holy town during the festival in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We expect a large gathering of about 10 lakhs on Ratha Yatra as the people are allowed to participate in the festival after a gap of two years,” said Development Commissioner, P. K. Jena.

This apart, people of other religions, mostly foreigners, who are not allowed entry into the Jagannath temple, are also waiting for a ‘darshan’ of the trinity, a senior official said adding that all arrangements including tight security are in the place for the mega event.

During the day, the three chariots were parked at the appropriate place in front of the Lion’s Gate of the temple from the chariot-making yard.

The pulling of chariots for parking was followed by a specific ritual called “Agnya Mala Bije”, which means with due permission of the Lords.