Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra: The procession began in Ahmedabad where lakhs of devotees thronged the streets to offer prayers and be part of the Yatra.
The seaside pilgrim town of Puri is buzzed with excitement for the annual Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath, set to span two days this year for the first time in 53 years. This historic event, attracting lakhs of devotees, will see an array of elaborate rituals and vibrant processions. Special arrangements have been made for dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, who is in Puri to witness the spectacle. The procession began in Ahmedabad where lakhs of devotees thronged the streets to offer prayers and be part of the Yatra. Officials have stated that the Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival, which is usually a one-day event.
In a departure from tradition, some rituals involving the three sibling deities — Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra — will be held on a single day, that is on Sunday. The chariots have been parked in front of the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath temple and will be taken to the Gundicha temple, where they will remain for a week. Devotees will be seen pulling the chariot on Sunday afternoon.
Special Rituals: ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ and ‘Netra Utsav’
Yatra rituals like ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ and ‘Netra Utsav’ will take place on Sunday. Normally conducted before the Rath Yatra, ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ reveals the rejuvenated appearance of the deities after they undergo a 15-day quarantine ritual called ‘Anasara’ following ‘Snana Purnima’. According to mythology, the deities fall ill due to the extensive bathing on ‘Snana Purnima’ and thus stay indoors. Before ‘Nabajouban Darshan’, priests perform ‘Netra Utsav’, a ritual where the deities’ eyes are repainted, symbolizing their refreshed vision.The state government has made extensive arrangements for the festival’s smooth conduct. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra stated that 180 platoons of state and central security personnel have been deployed to manage law and order and crowd control during the festival. AI-based CCTV cameras have been installed at the festival venue, Badadanda, and other strategic locations in the town.Special security arrangements have been made for the President’s visit. A VIP zone has been designated for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers, and other dignitaries, while a buffer zone is planned for the President. A dedicated team led by a senior SP rank officer will supervise President Murmu’s visit.