Puri: Among loud chants of Hari Bola and conchs and gongs reverberating in the air, the Pahandi rituals of Lord Sudarshan and the three sibling deities being carried to their respective chariots have begun for the Rath Yatra. The gorgeously decorated deities will be seated atop the chariots in which they will travel to visit their aunt at Gundicha Temple.
The Pahandi began with the idol of Lord Sudarshan being escorted to Goddess Subhadra's chariot. Soon, Lord Balabhadra was carried by the servitors from the sanctum in a grand procession playing gongs and conch, creating a gripping spiritual atmosphere.
This was followed by the Pahandi of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath. The morning began with Sakala Dhupa and rituals of Mangala Alati followed by Mailama, Tadapalagi and Rosa Hama. Later, Abakash Niti, Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja were conducted.