Ratha Jatra: Three chariots reach Gundicha Temple in Puri

Puri: Chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath reached the Gundicha Temple here as devotion gripped Bada Danda with participation of public in the annual Ratha Jatra of the deities in the pilgrim town of Puri after two years.

The Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra was pulled by the devotees at around 1 PM, followed by Darpadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath.

Earlier in the day, the deities began their 9-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple as servitors of the Shree Jagannath Temple here escorted the idols to the chariots in Pahandi ritual.

After the Chhera Pahanra ritual by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the pulling of chariots began.

Lakhs of devotees thronged Puri to have glimpse of the deities on Ratha Jatra as they were not allowed for the same during the last two years due to the COVID-19 situation.

The deities will be escorted to the Gundicha Temple, also known as the Janma Bedi of the Lords, from the chariots tomorrow.