‘Bahuda Jatra’: Chariots of Holy Trinity reach near Singhadwara

Bhubaneswar: The Bahuda Jatra (return journey) of Lord Jagannatha and His siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, to the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri was completed today without participation of devotees.

Even though the pilgrim city received heavy downpour today afternoon, pulling of the chariots continued. The three holy chariots reached in front of the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Puri this evening.

After completing their nine-day sojourn to Gundicha Temple, their Janma Bedi (birthplace), the deities on their respective chariots reached near the Singhadwara.

“With cooperation of all including servitors, the Bahuda Jatra has been completed smoothly. I want to thank servitors and the people of Puri town, who obeyed the instructions issued by the district administration,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.

Following the morning rituals, the Holy Trinity were brought out of the Gundicha Temple in ‘pahandi’ by servitors amid loud chants of “Jai Jagannatha, Hari Bola” and noises of conches and ‘ghantas’.

Lord Sudarsan was the first to be brought out of the temple followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannatha.

Following the ‘Chhera Panhara’ performed by Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, pulling of the three gigantic chariots was started by the servitors around 12.20 PM. On the way, the Holy Trinity halted at the Mausimaa temple where ‘poda pitha’ was offered to them.

Before reaching near the Srimandir, Lord Jagannatha’s chariot halted in front of the palace of Gajapati Maharaja, where ‘Lakshmi-Narayana Bheta’ ritual was performed.

First Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra reached Singhadwara followed by Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana and then, Nandighosa Ratha, the chariot of Lord Jagannatha.

The chariot festival was organised amid tight security in adherence to Covid norms. Curfew has been imposed on the ‘Bada Danda’ (Grand Road) since Monday night while CCTVs and drone cameras have been installed to keep a close eye on the event.

(With IANS inputs)