Lakhs congregate in Puri to witness 'Ratha Yatra'

Amid tight security, the world famous 'Ratha Yatra' of Lord Jagannath was held in this pilgrim town of Odisha today with fanfare, religious fervour, and a spirit of camaraderie.
Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the seaside town to witness the commencement of the nine-day journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to Gundicha Temple and back to their abode.
Devotees from all walks of life made a beeline to the seaside town since yesterday to have a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath as they mingled with the sea of humanity during the annual festival of chariots.

Enthusiasm and excitement ran high among the devotees as the deities remained indoors since "Snana Purnima" on June 20.
The "Naba Jaubana Darshan" of the deities was performed yesterday as they remained confined in "Anasara Pindi" (recovery chamber) after the grand bath on "Snana Purnima".
With a large number of visitors thronging the holy town on the occasion, police have made elaborate arrangements to throw a thick security blanket by deploying personnel in strength besides putting air and coast surveillance in place.

A multi-layer security net had been thrown to ensure smooth conduct of the festival while CCTVs have been installed at various locations to keep a tab on people, Director General of Police (DGP), K B Singh said.

Security was tightened outside the temple, around the three chariots and the Grand Road, sea beach, railway station and the bus stand, he said, adding patrolling was strengthened.
"We are well prepared to face any situation. Steps have also been taken to avoid any stampede-like situation," said a police official.
Personnel of Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and sharp shooters were deployed in vital points while the Coast Guard kept a vigil on the sea.
(REOPENS CAL2)
Before the presiding deities - Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra - set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, a number of special rituals like Mangla Arati and Mailam were held.

Descending from the Ratna Sinhasana, the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as "baisi Pahacha" through the Lion's gate in an elaborate royal ritual called "Pahandi" as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a glimpse and touch them.
In a rhythmic style, the deities moved froward step by step to the accompaniment of beating of ghantas and kahalis and blowing of conch shells.
The Trinity proceeded majestically in their journey to the world outside during Pahandi.
At first Sudarshana, the celestial wheel of Krishna-Vishnu, was taken out and put in the chariot of Devi Subhadra followed by Balabhadra, Subhadra and finally Jagannath.

Ready to carry the deities for their annual nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha temple, about two-km away, the three majestic wooden chariots waited outside draped in layers of red, black, green and yellow cloth.
The 45-feet high 'Nandighosh', the chariot of Lord Jagannath stood with 16 huge wooden wheels, while the 44-feet high 'Taladhawaja' with 14 wheels is famous as Balabhadra's and Subhadra's 'Darpadalan' was 43-feet high with 12 wheels.
The 'Shankaracharya' of Puri Govardhana Peeth, Swamy Nischalananda Saraswati had 'darshan' of the deities on the chariots along with his disciples.
Thereafter, the 'Gajapati' King of Puri Divyasingh Dev proceeded to the chariots to perform the 'Chhera Panhara' ritual by sweeping the platform with golden broom.

The administration made elaborate arrangements for the
convenience of pilgrims during the festival.
Parking lots have been constructed for parking of vehicles. Arrangements have also been made for facilities like health service, drinking water and sanitation, while water sprinklers were deployed to give respite to devotees from heat.
The visitors were being provided with guidance and assistance by police and other personnel deployed on the occasion. Earlier, visitors were also given information about traffic management through social media and Puri police administration website, a police officer said.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) is running special trains to clear the extra rush of passengers for the car festival.

A large number of cameras have been installed across the city with an integrated surveillance control room near the Jagannath Temple.