The holy Ashokastami has arrived in Ekamra Kshetra as Lord Lingaraj, accompanied by Goddess Rukmini and Lord Basudeva, prepares for the historic Rukuna Rath Yatra.
Following the sacred Pahandi procession at 10:45 AM, the deities will board the chariot after traditional offerings.
Lakhs of devotees are gathered to witness the chariot pulling, scheduled to commence at 2:30 PM following the command of the Rath Kalis Thakur. In a modern milestone, the festival will be telecast live by Doordarshan for the first time.
To ensure a seamless experience, the administration has deployed 16 platoons of police force alongside medical teams and water stations. As the "unbreakable" chariot rolls toward the Rameshwar Temple, the air is thick with devotion and the rhythmic chants of thousands.
The journey is expected to conclude by 6:30 PM, marking another glorious chapter for the Ekamra Prince.