Preparations underway for Bahuda Yatra in Puri

Preparations are in full swing at Puri in Odisha for the Bahuda Yatra, also known as the Return Car Festival to be held today.

The three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra are stationed in front of the Gundicha Temple, ready for their return journey to the Shree Jagannath Temple.

The ceremonial procession of the deities from the sanctum sanctorum of the Gundicha Temple — known as ‘Pahandi’ — is set to begin around noon, following elaborate rituals.

After observing special rituals, the ceremonial procession of carrying the deities from the sanctum sanctorum of



the Gundicha temple will commence at a later time. If the rituals run according to schedule, the pulling of the first chariot, Taladhwaj of Lord Balabhadra, will start by 4 pm.

As part of the entire Rath Yatra, the deities will be decorated with ‘Suna Besha’ (golden attire) tomorrow on the chariots, which is expected to attract lakhs of devotees.

The three Gods will re-enter the shrine the following day to adorn the ‘Ratna Simhasana’ again and give darshan to their devotees till the next car festival. A multi-layer security net was thrown over Puri’s seashore town for the return car fete