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.
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.