Rath Yatra Countdown Begins

Puri: As the countdown for the 10-day sojourn of the three deities has already started in Puri, special arrangements have been made for the safety of the visitors.

It all starts with Snana Purnima the ritual bath of Lord Jagannath in the month of Jyeshta — after Snana Purnima, Lord falls ill for a period of fifteen days, and all the daily rites in the Sri Mandir are suspended.

Popularly known as `Anasara ` during this period, the lord receives the secret seva of raj vaidyas and datapaths. After a special oil (Phulri) and incense are applied to the Lord’s body — the Lord manifests himself in a renewed youthful look (Navajouvan).

According to the traditions, the very day on which Jangannath dons his Navajouvan look, the construction of a gigantic wooded rath needs to be completed. So it all looks hectic now, as the craftsmanship of carpenters engaged in the construction of chariots is in the very last stages.

And once the rath is ready, Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra will be taken to the chariots for their famous Gundicha yatra.

Keeping in view thousands of visitors, the city of Puri is put under strict security cover closely monitored by the district administration.