Puri Rath Yatra 2018: Pahandi rituals conclude

Puri: As expected lakhs of devotees have thronged the piligrim city Puri to witness Rath Yatra which is one of the major festivals in Odisha. As per schedule, the rituals began for the chariot festival much early on Saturday.

Amid loud chants of Hari Bola, devotees waited outside the 12th century shrine to have a glimpse of the Trinity--Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra since early morning.

The Pahandi began with the idol of Lord Sudarshan being escorted to Goddess Subhadra’s chariot. Lord Balabhadra was  taken out of the sanctum in a grand procession to his chariot-the Taladhwaja.The entire Badadanda was soaked in devotion as Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath arrived through Singhadwara in the ceremonial pahandi soon after Devi Subhadra was escorted by servitors as per the tradition.

Senior officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) informed that the rituals began with the Mangala Alati and were followed by Mailama, Tadapalagi and Rosa Homa. Later, Abakash rituals, Surya Puja and Dwarapala puja were conducted as per the tradition.