The annual car fest of the Holy Trinity was held at the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri but without the participation of devotees for the second year in a row because of the pandemic restrictions. After the ceremonial Pahandi, Lord Jagannath and His siblings were placed atop their chariots for their annual sojourn. Millions of devotees in Odisha and across the world witnessed the traditional ceremony on their TV sets, mobile phones and computers during the live telecast and streaming of the rituals and grand procession on the Grand Road of the temple town.
Credit: SJTA
The three gigantic chariots await the arrival of Holy sibling deities outside Puri Srimandir for the beginning of the annual car festival.
Credit: SJTA
Bada Thakura Balabhadra being escorted to his Taladhwaja chariot in 'Dhadi Pahandi' procession.
In the divine atmosphere, Devi Subhadra is being escorted by the servitors in 'Dhadi Pahandi' to the Debadalana chariot.
Credit: SJTA
The Lord of the Universe arrives. With chants of 'Hari Bol' and 'Jai Jagannath', Mahaprabhu Jagannath came down from the 'Ratna Singhasana' to board his chariot for the annual sojourn.
Swaying and swinging, Lord Jagannath makes his way onto his chariot Nandighosha amidst the playing of 'Ghanta' and 'Kahali'.
Credit: SJTA
Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performs 'Chhera Pahanra', the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom. The King arrived in his royal palanquin to conduct the rituals atop all three chariots.
Credit: SJTA
Pulling of chariot begins after completion of Chhera Pahanra ritual. Emotions ran high as Lord Balabhadra's chariot rolled on Grand Road towards Gundicha temple.
Credit: SJTA
The pulling of the chariot of Devi Subhadra - 'Debadalana' commenced moments after Taladhwaja advanced.
Credit: SJTA
And finally, the moment arrives. Nandighosha 'Ratha' begins to roll on Bada Danda with chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and rhythms of traditional instruments reverberating the air.
Credit: SJTA
The gigantic chariots move towards Gundicha temple in Puri. Servitors pull the rope of devotion.
Credit: SJTA
All three chariots - Taladhwaja, Debadalana and Nandighosha reach Gundicha temple in Puri, marking the culmination of the Rath Yatra.
LIVE TV
