Rath Yatra 2025: A Spectacular Celebration of Lord Jagannath in Puri
Grand Procession Kicks Off in Puri
In Puri, a massive crowd gathered to pull the ropes attached to the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, marking the commencement of the Rath Yatra festival on Friday. The procession stretched approximately 2.6 kilometers from the historic 12th-century temple to the Shree Gundicha temple.
Among the participants were Odisha's Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who joined the devotees in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra.
As the crowd chanted 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Hari Bol', the 'Taladwaja' chariot of Lord Balabhadra began its journey at 4:08 PM, followed by Devi Subhadra's 'Darpadalan' and finally Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosh'.
While thousands actively pulled the chariots, many more flocked to the coastal town to partake in the festivities, with estimates suggesting around one million devotees attended the event.
The chariot pulling commenced after the titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, performed the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual, which involves sweeping the chariots.
Each chariot was adorned with colorful wooden horses before being pulled by the enthusiastic devotees.
Prior to the procession, the three deities were ceremonially placed on their chariots following an elaborate 'Pahandi' ritual that lasted over two hours.
During the 'Pahandi', the wooden idols were transported from the Jagannath temple to their respective chariots.
Various cultural performances, including Odissi dance and folk music, entertained the crowd as the idols were honored.
The Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, visited the chariots after the deities were seated, arriving in a wheelchair at the age of 81, as part of the traditional rituals.
Prominent figures, including Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with local ministers, were present to witness the ceremonial 'Pahandi', a highlight of the Rath Yatra.
This year's festival is being conducted under stringent security measures, with approximately 10,000 personnel from Odisha police and central armed forces deployed.
DGP Y B Khurania assured that comprehensive arrangements were in place for the smooth execution of the Rath Yatra, including the installation of over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras to monitor the crowd.
ADGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar noted that security measures were heightened in light of recent threats, including the Pahalgam terror attack, with collaboration from various central agencies, including NSG snipers and Coast Guard drones.