Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins: Millions of devotees gather with faith and fervor

Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra has started today in Puri, which will last for 12 days. Will there be any miracle this time? Know about the holy festival in this special report of Dynamite News

Odisha: The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath has started today on the holy land of Puri, Odisha, which has become the center of faith and enthusiasm for millions of devotees, like every year, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

This grand journey will start from the Jagannath temple and go to the Gundicha temple, where Lord Jagannath will be "ensconced" in his aunt's house along with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra. But will this journey bring something unique this time?

Will Lord Jagannath show any miracle for his devotees? This question is flashing in the mind of every devotee. According to the Dynamite News correspondent, a day before the Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees thronged the Singh Dwar of the temple and took the Nabajouban Darshan of Lord Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath.

On this special occasion, the Lord appeared in a young form, which symbolizes his rejuvenation. This ritual, also known as Netra Utsav, is celebrated with the ritual of coloring the eyes of the idols. But the mystery does not end here! After the bathing ritual, the Lord remains in "quarantine" in the Anasar house for 15 days, as it is believed that he falls ill after bathing.

The event will last for twelve days

The Rath Yatra will be organized for 12 days and will end with Niladri Vijay on July 8, when the Lord will return to his original temple. During this time, three huge chariots, Taladhwaj (Balabhadra), Devdalan (Subhadra), and Nandighosha (Jagannath), are ready, which are being pulled by devotees on the Grand Road today.

During this, the 'Chhera Panhara' ritual by the King of Puri, in which he cleans the platform of the chariot with a gold broom, fills the devotees with enthusiasm. The administration has made strict arrangements for this grand event.

ADG Traffic Dayal Gangwar said that traffic and security will be monitored through AI-based CCTV surveillance and drones. An integrated command center and war room have also been set up. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati have wished the devotees.

Rath Yatra Schedule

27 June: Rath Yatra begins; the Lord departs for Gundicha Temple.

1 July: Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi meets Lord.

4 July: Sandhya Darshan, a special darshan occasion.

5 July: Bahuda Yatra, return of Lord.

6 July: Suna Besha, golden adornment.

7 July: Adhra Pana, special bhog.

8 July: Neeladri Vijaya, return to temple.