The highly anticipated Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s most significant festivals, began in Odisha’s Puri district. President Droupadi Murmu and millions of devotees from across India witnessed the vibrant and spiritual event. Due to specific celestial arrangements, this year’s Rath Yatra will span two days.
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Puri to seek the darshan of Lord Jagannath as the procession commenced. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and other dignitaries were also present.
The air resounded with ‘Jai Jagannath’ chants as Lord Sudarshan was escorted to Darpadalan, the chariot of Devi Subhadra. Following him, Lord Balabhadra proceeded to his Taladhwaja chariot, while Goddess Subhadra was brought to her Darpadalan chariot in a special procession.
The newly constructed wooden chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra adorned the wide avenue near the temple’s eastern entrance, known as the Sinhadwara or Lion’s Gate.
Descending from the bejeweled throne (‘Ratna Sinhasana’), the three deities were carried down the 22 steps (‘Baisi Pahacha’) through the Lion’s Gate in the elaborate royal ritual called ‘Pahandi.’ Preceding this, customary rituals like ‘Mangla Arati’ and ‘Mailam’ took place within the temple.
The festival celebrates Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings. During the Yatra, the deities are carried on wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri.
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