Puri: Devotion gripped Bada Danda in the pilgrim town of Puri today on the occasion of Bahuda Jatra of Lord Jagannath and His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra as the deities commenced their return journey from the Gundicha Temple to the Srimandir here.

Lakhs of devotees thronged Puri to witness the divine event as they reverberated the atmosphere with chants of 'Jai Jagannath'.

Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deva performed Chhera Pahanra ritual on the three chariots, following which they were pulled by devotees towards the Shree Jagannath Temple.

Initially, the Taladhwaja Chariot of Lord Balabhadra was pulled at around 1 pm, followed by Debadalana Chariot of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosa Chariot of Lord Jagannath.

Earlier today, idols of the deities were escorted from the Gundicha temple to their respective chariots by servitors in Pahandi, a ceremonial procession.

The Pahandi ritual commenced at around 8.20 am as Lord Sudarsan was taken to the Debadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra.

Similarly, Lord Balabhadra's Pahandi began at around 8.50 am as He was escorted to His Taladhwaja chariot.

Later, Pahandi of Devi Subhadra started at around 9 am as She was placed on Her chariot by the servitors.

Eventually, Lord Jagannath's Pahandi commenced at around 9.30 am.

Bahuda Jatra holds equal significance like Ratha Jatra as the deities proceed towards their abode Srimandir after staying for seven days at their birthplace Gundicha Temple.

The administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival.