Puri: The sacred air of Puri continues to resonate with deep devotion and spiritual emotion as Lord Jagannath, along with His holy siblings — Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and weapon Sudarshan — returned from their brief sojourn at the Gundicha Temple, their Janma Bedi (birthplace), marking the divine return journey of Bahuda Jatra.

Celebrated as part of the 11-day-long Ratha Jatra, the Bahuda Jatra signifies the homecoming of the deities after their stay at Gundicha Temple. The grand chariots, richly decorated and resplendent in divine splendor, rolled down the road in Puri toward the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of the Jagannath Temple — covering the 3 km stretch with divine grace.

As the Pahandi Bije ritual concluded, followed by the sacred Chhera Pahanra performed by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba, the chariot pulling commenced with great fervor. The air at Sharadhabali echoed with holy chants and the rhythmic sounds of gongs, cymbals, and conches, as lakhs of devotees, servitors, and security personnel joined together in devotion, pulling the chariots with unmatched reverence and joy.

The rituals for Bahuda Jatra began at 4.00 am with Mangal Alati at the Gundicha Temple. The ceremonial Pahandi Bije ritual commennced at 10.15 am, two hours before the schedule. While idols of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra were taken to respective chariots -- Nandighosha and Taladhwaja -- in 'Dhadi Pahandi', Sudarshan and Goddess Subhadra were placed on the Darpadalan chariot in 'Sunya Pahandi'. 

Following pahandi rituals, Puri King, who is considered as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, performed 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual (sweeping the chariots with a golden broom) on three majestic chariots, paving the way for chariot pulling for Bahuda Jatra. 

Making powerful thunder in the air, the Taladhwaja chariot carrying Lord Balabhadra moved at Sharadhabali, where the chariots were parked in front of the Gundicha Temple, around 3 pm, ahead of the schedule. The chariots carrying Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra followed the Elder Sibling on their return journey.