What to Expect at the Grand Rath Yatra: A Journey of Faith and Tradition
The Chariots Are Ready for the Grand Procession
Puri: The three majestic chariots are set to embark on their journey down the Grand Road as Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath have taken their places on their respective chariots following an elaborate 'Pahandi' ceremony that lasted over two hours on Friday.
The term 'Pahandi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Padamundanam', which signifies a slow and deliberate movement. In accordance with tradition, the 'Pahandi' was conducted in a 'Dhadi' (line), where the three wooden idols were transported from the 12th-century temple to their chariots. The procession commenced with Chakraraj Sudarshan, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and finally Lord Jagannath.
Although the Pahandi was initially scheduled to start at 9:30 AM, it commenced an hour later but concluded as planned. The deities are now positioned on their chariots, which are stationed in front of the Lion's Gate of the temple, ready for their journey to the Shree Gundicha Temple, located approximately 2.6 kilometers away.
Accompanied by the sounds of gongs, conch shells, and cymbals, Chakraraj Sudarshan was the first to be carried out from the main temple and placed on the 'Darpadalan' chariot of Devi Subhadra. Shree Sudarshan, the divine wheel of Lord Vishnu, is revered in the form of Lord Jagannath in Puri, as explained by Pandit Suryanaray Rathsharma.
Following Shree Sudarshan, Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath, took his place on the 'Taladhwaja' chariot. Goddess Subhadra, the sister of both deities, was brought to her 'Darpadalan' chariot in a special procession known as 'Sunya Pahandi', where she gazes at the sky while being carried.
When Lord Jagannath finally emerged from the temple, emotions surged along the Grand Road as devotees raised their hands and chanted 'Jay Jagannath'. Odissi dancers, folk artists, and musicians from various regions competed to perform before the 'Kalia Thakura' (the Black Lord Jagannath).
Maitree Maheswari, an Odissi dancer, expressed, 'My life will be fulfilled if the Lord graces to throw a look at me.'
The Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, along with his disciples, visited the three chariots after the deities ascended. The 81-year-old seer arrived near the chariots in a wheelchair, marking his visit as part of the Rath Yatra rituals.
Odisha's Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Puri MP Sambit Patra and other officials, were present to witness the ceremonial Pahandi, a highlight of the Rath Yatra in Puri.
The Ratha Yatra occurs on the second day of the Odia month of 'Ashadha Shukla Tithi' (bright fortnight) each year, marking the only occasion when the sibling deities leave the temple after descending from the 'Ratna Sinhasana', the bejeweled throne, through 22 steps known as 'Baisi Pahacha' via the Lion's Gate in a grand ritual called 'Pahandi'.
Traditionally, 'Chhera pahanra' (sweeping of chariots) will be performed by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb at 3:30 PM, followed by the pulling of the chariots at 4 PM as per the schedule.
Meanwhile, thousands of devotees have already gathered in the pilgrim town of Puri to witness the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
The festival is being conducted under stringent security measures, with around 10,000 personnel from the Odisha police, central armed police forces, and NSG deployed. 'We have made all possible arrangements for the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra,' stated DGP YB Khurania, adding that over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras are monitoring the crowd.
ADGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar mentioned that the security arrangements were made in light of information following the Pahalgam terror attack. In addition to the Odisha police, eight companies of central armed police forces, including three teams of RAF, have been deployed.
'Several central government agencies are collaborating with Odisha Police, including NSG snipers, Coast Guard drones, and anti-drone systems. Canine teams and Odisha's anti-sabotage units are also on duty here,' he added.