Rainwater floods Bada Danda ahead of Bahuda Jatra tomorrow

Puri: With only one day left for the Bahuda Jatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings to Srimandir, overnight rain following formation of low pressure over north Bay of Bengal, has submerged the Bada Danda (Grand Road)today.

The three chariots-Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan- stationed in front of the Nakachana Dwar of the Gundicha temple have been surrounded by knee-deep water. Amid such situation, devotees are in apprehension that the waterlogging might create obstacles during chariot pulling tomorrow.

Besides, all shops and markets complexes on the Bada Danda have remained closed today. Not only Bada Danda, houses in several areas in the pilgrim town including Siddha Mahavira Patna, Ramachandi Sahi, Balikuda Basti, Baliapanda Basti, Marutinagar and Chudanga have also been submerged.

On the other hand, fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea due to the low pressure.

The pilgrim town recorded the highest rainfall of 322 mm followed by Cuttack (211 mm) and Bhubaneswar (180 mm) in the last 24 hours.