Puri’s Badadanda has transformed into a sea of spiritual ecstasy as the world-famous Rath Yatra officially begins. Following the sacred Pahandi and Chhera Pahanra rituals, the grand chariot of elder brother Lord Balabhadra, Taladhwaja, rolled out first, triggered by the thunderous cheers of lakhs of emotional devotees.
Even pouring rain could not damp the spirits of the global crowd. Immersed in ecstatic dance, hymns, and Nama Sankirtan, thousands of hands eagerly grabbed the sacred ropes to pull the three majestic chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana, and Nandighosha—on their nine-day journey toward the Gundicha Temple.
To manage the massive influx of international and domestic tourists, the administration has deployed a heavy security blanket. Hundreds of police personnel, Central Forces, and volunteers are managing the crowd, with CCTV and drone cameras providing tight, high-tech aerial surveillance. The divine union of the Lord and His devotees is officially underway.