Holy Trinity’s Bahuda Yatra Concludes, All Three Chariots Reach Singhadwara
Bureau, Odishabarta
PURI, July 24, 2026: The sacred nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra came to a glorious conclusion on Friday as the Holy Trinity returned from Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple during the grand Bahuda Yatra, drawing lakhs of devotees to the holy city of Puri.
The return journey transformed Bada Danda into a sea of devotion, with continuous chants of “Jai Jagannath”, the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments and the thunderous movement of the three majestic chariots creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
The day’s rituals commenced at Gundicha Temple with Mangala Alati at 8:25 a.m., followed by Tadapa Lagi, Abakash Puja, Dwarapala Puja, Gopal Ballabh, Sakala Dhupa and Mangalarpana. The ceremonial Bahuda Pahandi began at 10:50 a.m. and continued until 2:15 p.m., during which the deities were carried in a grand procession from the Janma Bedi to their respective chariots.
The procession began with Chakraraj Sudarshan, who was placed on Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana chariot. Lord Balabhadra was then ceremoniously escorted to Taladhwaja, followed by Devi Subhadra.
The most awaited moment came when Lord Jagannath, swaying gracefully in the traditional Dhadi Pahandi style, ascended the magnificent Nandighosha chariot amid thunderous chants from devotees.
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb arrived in a traditional palanquin and performed the sacred Chera Pahanra ritual, sweeping the platforms of all three chariots with a golden broom, symbolising humility and selfless service before the Lord.
After the ceremonial decorations and yoking of the horses, the chariots began their return journey. Taladhwaja rolled out at 4:30 p.m., followed by Darpadalana at 5:05 p.m. and Nandighosha at 5:35 p.m., as thousands of devotees pulled the sacred ropes while security personnel ensured a smooth and orderly procession.
In keeping with tradition, the chariots halted at Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath accepted the famous Podapitha offering before resuming the journey. Later, near Shree Nahara, the ceremonial Laxmi-Narayan Bheta was performed, marking the symbolic reunion of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Jagannath under the supervision of the Gajapati Maharaja.
At 10:57 p.m., Nandighosha finally reached the majestic Singhadwara of the Shree Jagannath Temple. With all three chariots stationed before the Lion’s Gate, the sacred Bahuda Yatra concluded successfully, marking the end of the Holy Trinity’s annual journey to Gundicha Temple and their divine homecoming to Srimandir.
