Bhubaneswar: Tight security arrangements have been made for Rukuna Rath, the annual chariot festival of Lord Lingaraj on the occasion of Ashokastami.
The temple administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the rituals which began at 4 am on Saturday.
As per the schedule, the deities of the temple would be taken out in a traditional Pahandi at around 12:30 pm while the pulling of the chariot is expected to be conducted at 3.30 pm.
Keeping in view large turnout of devotees, Commissionerate police has made elaborate arrangements for security and traffic regulation.
As per tradition, the holy water of Marichi kund was auctioned by the temple authorities on Friday.
The first pot of water sold for Rs 11,150 to a couple,Jitu and Jali Lenka, of Tihidi while the second pot was auctioned to a couple from Bhubaneswar at Rs 5,600.
Childless parents make a beeline at the mystic water source near the temple to obtain pots of water which is auctioned every year.
As per popular belief, women unable to conceive bathe in this water of the well on the auspicious day to conceive.