Finance
Puri: The Bada Danda in Puri has turned into a sea of humanity as the annual Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath and His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is celebrated today.
Thousands of worshippers have flocked to the shrine to watch the deities’ magnificent chariot spectacle.
The Rath Jatra commemorates Lord Jagannath’s travel from Shree Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in three chariots: Nandighosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (for Devi Subhadra).
The gathering allows devotees who may not have access to the temple’s inner sanctum to catch a glimpse of the goddesses and seek their blessings.
Ritual Timings
- Pahandi start: 9.30 am.
- Pahandi end: 12.30 pm.
- Chhera Pahanra: 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
- Pulling of Chariots: 4 pm.
The administration has taken elaborate preparations to ensure that the celebration runs well.
