Bhubaneswar: The chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were pulled to the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir from Srigundicha temple on the occasion of Bahuda Jatra at Odisha’s Puri town today.

Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra reached its destination first, followed by Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra.

Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath was the last to reach the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century shrine. The three chariots were pulled to the Lions’ Gate of Jagannath temple by 9.30 pm.

The chariots began their return journey from Srigundicha temple to Srimandir on the Grand Road after Puri King Dibyasingha Deb performed the ceremonial Chherapahanra (sweeping) ritual before the deities at Saradhabali.

Prior to this, the sibling deities were escorted to their respective chariots from the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple through the traditional Pahandi procession.

During their return journey, the deities were offered ‘Podapitha’ on their chariots near Mausi Maa temple.

Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad thronged the Holy Town to witness the Bahuda Jatra or return car festival.

The deities had embarked on their journey towards Srigundicha temple from Srimandir by riding their chariots for nine-day sojourn on the occasion of Rath Jatra on July 7.

After a day’s halt midway, the deities reached Srigundicha temple on July 8. They were taken to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple the next day.