Chariots of Divine Trinity Reach Shree Gundicha Temple
Puri: All three chariots—Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana—have reached Saradhabali in Puri. Devotees rejoiced as the divine trinity arrived at their aunt’s house amid chants of “Jay Jagannath” marking the beginning of a nine-day stay at Gundicha temple.
This year’s Rath Yatra is exceptional, occurring over two days due to multiple rituals coinciding – a phenomenon last seen in 1971. The extended schedule allowed for a unique experience, with Lord Balabhadra’s chariot pulled on the first day, followed by the others.
Rath Yatra is an annual event where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, steps out of the Srimandir to meet devotees at the Badadanda.
A massive gathering of devotees lined the Badadanda, with lakhs of people from around the world flocking to Puri for this unique Rath Yatra. This year’s event stands out as several rituals, including Netra Utsav and Nabajouban Darshan, coincided with the Gundicha Yatra, a phenomenon occurring after 53 years.
Prominent dignitaries such as President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy CMs Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and former CM and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik attended the grand event. Extensive arrangements, including heightened security, ensured the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
