Lord Jagannath begins annual sojourn to Aunt’s place

Puri:   And the wait is over.  The Lord of the Universe has come out of his Ratna Singhasana inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple along with His divine siblings to give darshan to his devotees as he began his annual nine-day sojourn.

For the first time in decades, the annual Ratha Jatra is being held in the absence of devotees as per the restrictions imposed by the Government for COVID-19 pandemic. However, millions of devotees across the  country are glued to television in their respective houses watching the annual extravaganza.

As per schedule, Pahandi (ceremonial procession) of the deities began at 7 AM today. Amidst sounds of cymbals and drums, the servitors escorted Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarsana from their abode to their respective chariots. The Pahandi ritual was concluded around 30 minutes ahead of the schedule time of 10 AM.

Earlier in the morning,  the ‘Mangala Aalati’ was performed at around 3 AM  followed by rituals like ‘Mailama’, ‘Tadapa Lagi’,  ‘Abakasha’, ‘Gopal Ballava’, ‘Sakala Dhoopa’ and ‘Ratha Pratishta’.  All the rituals were completed by 7 AM. 

#RathaJatra2020 | And here comes the moment..

The Lord of the Universe being escorted to his chariot Nandighosa by servitors amid sounds of cymbals and drums. #RathYatra #RathYatra2020 pic.twitter.com/UStK0YZD2v

— Sambad English (@Sambad_English) June 23, 2020

After the deities were were seated atop their respective chariots, Madan Mohan Bije ’ was completed before 10 AM, following which ‘Chita Lagi’ ritual was held.

Also Read: Here’re Restrictions Laid By SC For Conduct Of Ratha Jatra In Puri

Later, ‘Chhera Panhara’, a major ritual of the annual festival, was held between 10.55 AM to 11.45 AM.  As per the ritual, Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb performed the ceremonial sweeping of the three chariot floors with a golden broom. After that,  servitors attached the horses to the three, following which pulling of the three chariots began.

It is pertinent to mention here that after days of logjam for conduct of the annual car festival in view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court yesterday gave green signal to the Odisha government for the same. As per the restrictions,  each chariot will be pulled by not more than 500 people, including security personnel and there will be an interval of one hour for pulling of each chariot.

“Each of those who is engaged in pulling the chariot shall maintain social distancing before, during and after the  Ratha Jatra. The State Government shall maintain a record containing details of all those who have been allowed to participate in the Ratha Jatra or the rituals connected therewith along with details of their medical conditions after testing,” the order said.

Also Read: Suspense Over: Ratha Jatra To Be Held In Puri With Restrictions

After the SC’s nod, as many as 1143 servitors involved in the Ratha Jatra underwent COVID-19 test.

Besides, the state Government imposed complete shutdown in the district with effect from 8 PM yesterday. The enforcement will remain in force till 2 PM on June 24. All entry points to Puri, including airport, railway stations and bus stands will be closed during the period of Ratha Jatra festival.