The grand spectacle of Puri’s Rath Yatra has begun. Amidst the deafening echoes of gongs, cymbals, and chants of ‘Jai Jagannath,’ the sacred Pahandi Bije ritual commenced today at 9:30 AM.
Chakraraja Prabhu Sudarshan led the divine procession from the Ratnavedi to the chariot Darpadalana, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath. The three majestic chariots—Nandighosha, Darpadalana (Devadalana), and Taladhwaja—were positioned at the Singhadwara yesterday, ready to carry the deities into the embrace of millions of waiting devotees.
Following the morning rituals of Surya Puja and chariot installation, the Pahandi is scheduled to conclude by 12:30 PM. The highly anticipated Chhera Pahanra (ceremonial sweeping of the chariots) will be performed by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingh Deb between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Once the wooden horses and charioteers are attached, the ultimate moment arrives at 4:00 PM: a sea of devotees will pull the chariots forward, beginning their triumphant journey toward the Gundicha Temple.