Puri: The pulling of chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra was halted midway at Puri town on Sunday. The deities will resume their journey for Srigundicha temple tomorrow (July 8).
Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra made a halt at Marichikote Square while Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra stopped near Srikrishna Cinema Hall. Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath travelled just a few metres away from the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir.
Traditionally, the presiding deities of Srimandir embark on a journey to Srigundicha temple by riding their respective chariots for a nine-day sojourn on the occasion of Rath Jatra.
Servitors of the 12th century shrine, devotees and police personnel first pulled Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra on the Grand Road amid religious fervour and enthusiasm at around 5 pm. Darpadalan and Nandighosa chariots followed Taladhwaja chariot.
The chariot pulling began after Puri King Dibyasingha Deb performed Chherapanhara (sweeping) ritual on the three chariots. The deities were brought to the chariots from the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir through the ceremonial Pahandi procession.
This year, the Nabajouban Darshan and Netra Utsav rituals of the deities were performed on the day of Rath Jatra. A similar situation had last arisen in 1971. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and outside congregated at the Holy Town to witness the mega event.
President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik among other VVIPs too witnessed the Car Festival at Puri.
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