![Three chariots are seen in front of the Shree Jagannath temple on the occasion of Rath Yatra festival at Puri Three chariots are seen in front of the Shree Jagannath temple on the occasion of Rath Yatra festival at Puri](https://i0.wp.com/www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/1x1_spacer.png?ssl=1)
Three chariots are seen in entrance of the Shree Jagannath temple on the event of Rath Yatra competition at Puri
| Photograph Credit score: BISWARANJAN ROUT
Amidst sweltering warmth, a sea of devotees on June 20 surged within the coastal city of Puri to witness grand spectacle of Rath Yatra — an annual occasion by which three deities Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra are taken out of their respective chariots from twelfth century Shree Jagannath Temple.
As anticipated lakhs of individuals had travelled to the city utilizing completely different mode of transportation and occupied each conceivable place to have glimpse of the three deities on their chariots, which is taken into account auspicious.
Although by 11 a.m., the daytime temperature had already soared previous 35 diploma Celsius and humidity was measured at 69%, individuals jostled for area on the three-kilometre lengthy street generally known as Grand Street — the venue of Rath Yatra. Within the run up Automotive Competition of three deities, lakhs of devotees had turned as much as have drashan of deities in ‘Naba Jouban’ apparel on Monday.
Lord Jagannath is seen together with devotees on the event of Rath Yatra competition at Puri
| Photograph Credit score:
BISWARANJAN ROUT
The day began with Sevayats (conventional clergymen of Shree Jagannath Temple) performing a sequence of intricate rituals contained in the temple. Servitors introduced big idols by swaying them rhythmically as a part of the ritual known as ‘pahandi’. Devotees have been seen standing nonetheless with folded hand and a few prostrating as mark of devotion for deities. Many have been dancing in ecstasy.
It was adopted by customary ceremony generally known as ‘Chhera Panhara’ which was carried out by Puri’s titular King Divyasingha Dev. After providing prayers, Mr. Dev cleaned wood platform of three chariots with golden broom and sprinkled aromatic water on the floor.
After completion of all rituals, a whole bunch of police personnel towed down three chariots — Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), Debadalan (Devi Subhadra) and Nandighosh (Lord Jagannath) alongside the Grand Roads amidst shouting of ‘Haribol’ and ‘Jai Jagannath’.
To make sure that the grand occasion passes off with none untoward incident, the State authorities had deployed 187 platoons of police for crowd management and stopping any act of sabotage. These personnel have been led by greater than 1,000 officers.
Three chariots are seen in entrance of the Shree Jagannath temple on the event of Rath Yatra competition at Puri
| Photograph Credit score:
BISWARANJAN ROUT
Apart from, proceedings of Rath Yatra in addition to safety association have been being monitored by way of dozens of shut circuit cameras put in at vantage positions.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Training Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have been current in Puri to witness the Rath Yatra.
The Rath Yatra competition will go on for 9 days. The sibling deities would return from Mausi Maa temple on the ninth day. The idols can be put in within the Shree Jagannath Temple once more earlier than different main rituals similar to ‘Suna Besa’ (golden apparel of deities) and Adharapana. Dozens of particular trains are run by Indian Railways to deliver devotees to city and transfer them out.