Rath Yatra 2024: Pahandi rituals begin ahead of schedule in Puri

Devotees on Sunday expressed happiness over the early commencement of rituals including the ceremonial pahandi of the Holy Trinity of Puri Srimandir on the occasion of Rath Yatra.

Since early morning, devotees started thronging the Pilgrim town to take part in the annual Rath Yatra. This year, the Rath Yatra festival is unique as three important rituals – Netra Utsav, Nabajauban darshan and Rath Yatra are falling on the same day.

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The devotees are also on cloud nine as they will get scope to pull the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra for two days.

Earlier, the Odisha government had announced a two-day holiday including on July 8 as well. As per the tradition, Lord Sudarsan was taken out of Puri Srimandir first, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Devotees usually eagerly await the pahandi of Lord Jagannath and get mesmerised after getting a glimpse of Him even from a distance.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the district administration for the smooth conduct of the pahandi rituals which will be followed by the Chhera Pahanra or the ritualistic sweeping of the three chariots by the Puri Gajapati Maharaj.

President of India Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to pull the chariot in Puri today. She is currently on a four-day visit to Odisha.