Jagannath Rath Yatra begins |
One of the most famous and important religious festivals of East India celebrated in the state of Odisha is the Jagannath Rath Yatra which began on Thursday. A sea of devotees gathered at the beach town of Puri in Odisha for the annual nine-day Jagannath Rath Yatra. Lakhs of people converged in Puri for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the Bada Danda or the Grand Road as they travel from their home -- the 12th century Jagannath temple to the Shree Gundicha temple, home of their aunt. As per tradition, the deities will travel to Gundicha temple on three giant wooden chariots -- Nandighosa, chariot of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja, chariot of Balabhadra and Darpadalan chariot of Subhadra -- to be pulled by the gathered devotees. Several people were seen celebrating the festival by playing drums, trumpets and singing devotional songs. There are traditional dances and performances every year that make this procession a very vibrant affair. Devotees from all across the globe were present to show their presence on the auspicious day. The Odisha police and the state government have made extensive arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival. The chariot festival ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra or the return journey of the deities to the main temple.
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