The sacred Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra from Shree Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple, began today with grand rituals and a sea of devotees lining the streets of Puri.
The day’s events commenced with the ‘Pahandi’ ritual, where the deities were ceremonially carried out of the Gundicha Temple and placed on their respective chariots parked at Saradhabali. Although originally scheduled for 12 noon, the ritual began ahead of time at 10:30 AM.
As per tradition, the procession began with Chakraraj Sudarshan, the divine wheel of Lord Vishnu, who was placed on Devi Subhadra’s chariot, Darpadalan. This was followed by Lord Balabhadra on Taladhwaj, Devi Subhadra in a unique ‘Sunya Pahandi’ procession (where she gazes at the sky), and finally, Lord Jagannath took his place on Nandighosh.
Before the Pahandi began, several sacred rituals like Mangala Arati and Mailam were performed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Once the deities are seated on the chariots, the traditional ‘Chhera Pahanra’ (ceremonial sweeping of the chariot platforms) will be performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, scheduled between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, followed by chariot pulling at 4 PM. However, officials noted that timings may shift slightly.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik extended heartfelt wishes on the auspicious occasion.
“Greetings to all on Bahuda Yatra. May Lord Jagannath bless everyone with peace, happiness, and prosperity,” CM Majhi posted on X.
The return procession covers 2.6 km from Shree Gundicha Temple to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the main seat of Lord Jagannath.
This year’s Bahuda Yatra is being held under unprecedented security arrangements, especially after the tragic June 29 stampede near Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives and injured nearly 50.
According to officials:
- 10,000 personnel, including 6,150 Odisha Police officers and 800 CAPF troops, have been deployed.
- Over 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras and drone surveillance are in operation to monitor the crowd and maintain safety.
- Odisha DGP YB Khurania and other senior police and administrative officers are stationed in Puri to oversee the arrangements.
A detailed traffic advisory has also been issued, and authorities anticipate a record turnout due to favorable weather conditions.
The divine siblings spent the last nine days at Gundicha Temple, which is considered their maternal home and spiritual birthplace. Lakhs of devotees had the opportunity to have darshan of the deities during this period, and today they returned to their abode in a celebration of faith, tradition, and devotion.
