Lord Jagannath's 'Bahuda' Yatra: Chariot pulling begins
Bahuda Yatra
, or return car festival, of Lord Jagannath and his siblings formally commenced on Saturday in Puri, with devotees pulling the chariot of Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaj amid prayers, rituals, and heightened security following a recent stampede.
Early chariot procession and devotional fervour
Though scheduled for 4 p.m., the chariot procession began around 2:45 p.m. with chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Haribol' and the rhythmic beating of cymbals. The chariots Taladwaj (for Lord Balabhadra), Darpadalan (for Devi Subhadra), and Nandighosh (for Lord Jagannath) were pulled in sequence, beginning with Taladwaj, followed by the chariots carrying Devi Subhadra and then Lord Jagannath.
Pahandi ritual carried out ahead of schedule
The Pahandi ceremony, which involves ceremonially carrying the deities to their chariots, began at 10 a.m.—two hours ahead of schedule. Initiated by Chakraraj Sudarshan, the ritual took about two hours to complete, during which the deities Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath were placed on their respective chariots. This was followed by customary Mangla Arati and Mailam rituals before the deities emerged from the sanctum sanctorum.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
Chhera Pahanra ritual performed by Gajapati Maharaja
At 1:35 p.m.,
Gajapati Maharaja
Divyasingha Deb performed the Chhera Pahanra (sweeping) ritual with a golden broom, first cleansing the Taladwaj chariot of Lord Balabhadra, then the Nandighosh chariot of Lord Jagannath, and finally the Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra.
Security measures in place
The festival unfolded under unprecedented security following a stampede near Gundicha Temple on June 29 that claimed three lives and injured around 50. Approximately 10,000 personnel—including 6,150 from Odisha Police and 800 from central armed forces—are deployed. More than 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, drones, and additional surveillance tools have been installed to monitor the crowd. Odisha DGP YB Khurania and senior administrative officers are stationed in Puri to oversee safety and traffic control.
Live Events
Current CM and former CM extend greetings
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed his blessings, saying, 'By the grace of the Lord, everyone's life be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity.' Leader of
Opposition Naveen Patnaik
also extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
School Enrolment Ticks The Box, But Kids Need A Deep Dive Now
. In the heartlands of rural India, a quiet transformation is underway. Classrooms once dimly lit and sparsely attended are gradually turning into spaces of learning and possibilities. At the centre of this shift lies a powerful belief that education is not merely a tool, but a springboard: Literally lifting children from limitation to opportunity, from marginalisation to empowerment. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, India has achieved commendable strides in school enrolment. Over 95% of children aged 6 to 14 are now enrolled in school — a figure that reflects not just policy success but bears testimony to a growing cultural embrace of learning. Pre-primary enrolment, too, has risen steadily since 2018, signalling the effectiveness of anganwadi centres, which now reach over half of India's under-four population. These centres offer more than early learning; they provide nutrition, school readiness, and a community anchor for young children. Yet, the deeper challenge remains: converting enrolment into meaningful learning. Only 23.4% of Class III students in government schools can read a Class II level text, an improvement from pandemic lows, but still a troubling indicator. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List . Arithmetic shows more promise, with one in three Class III students now solving subtraction problems — a decade high. Much of this recovery is owed to targeted early-grade programmes, which have brought teacher training, structured learning materials, and academic guidance to over 80% of primary schools in 2023–24. This incremental progress stands atop the resilient shoulders of India's communities. From volunteer tutors to local school monitors, grassroots networks have helped sustain attendance and improve teacher presence, which now stands at 88%. Infrastructure is steadily improving too: 72% of schools now have functional girls' toilets, 78% have access to drinking water, and half maintain classroom libraries. However, systemic inequalities persist, particularly in remote regions. Science labs, digital classrooms, and playgrounds remain a rarity. This is where India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 steps in with its sweeping vision. It advocates early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), coding, and artificial intelligence, delivered through hands-on methods in local languages. Experimental programmes like Atal Tinkering Labs and RoboShiksha Centres have made early inroads. But the lack of trained teachers, modern labs, and updated curricula continue to hold rural schools back. Digital literacy is undergoing a transformation, while gender disparities in digital skills are narrowing in several southern states. Still, the alignment between learning and employability remains weak. Shockingly, 30% of teaching posts in central universities are vacant, and only 45% of engineering graduates are considered job-ready. To bridge this gap, experts recommend five key actions: An integrated STEM curriculum, sustained in-service teacher training, affordable lab upgrades, school-industry partnerships, and inclusive assessments that reward creativity and collaboration. Corporate involvement is playing an enabling role. Initiatives like HDFC Bank's Parivartan and Saksham schemes are building 3,500 digital classrooms, promoting digital literacy, and offering scholarships for underprivileged students. Major firms like Infosys and TCS are pioneering gamified, AI-driven microlearning platforms for workforce training— models that could b e adapted to schools. India's education journey is at an important juncture. The foundations are strong, the momentum is encouraging. But to ensure every child thrives — not just attends — we must lean on innovation, equity, and collaboration. Education must evolve from a policy promise into a lived reality, one empowered student at a time. The Times of India is holding a two-day Social Impact Summit on July 11 and 12 in Mumbai. The event, presented by Malabar Gold & Diamonds with Ernst & Young as the knowledge partner, will have business leaders, NGOs, and policymakers to address these issues.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
UGC NET answer key 2025 for June exams released at ugcnet.nta.ac.in: Raise objections online by this date, direct link here
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC NET June 2025 examination. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now access the answer key from the official website, Along with the answer key, the NTA has also uploaded the candidates' recorded responses and question papers. This release provides aspirants the opportunity to cross-check their responses and calculate their tentative scores. More importantly, the NTA has opened the objection window, allowing candidates to challenge any discrepancies in the answer key within the stipulated time. The objection window will remain open till July 8, 2025. This transparency ensures fair evaluation and accuracy before the declaration of results, which are expected shortly after the final key is released. How to download UGC NET June 2025 answer key Candidates who appeared for the UGC NET June examination can download the provisional answer key by following the steps here: Visit Click on the 'UGC NET June 2025 Answer Key' link Login using your application number and date of birth or password View and download your answer key and response sheet Direct link to download UGC NET answer key 2025 UGC NET answer key objection window Candidates who find discrepancies in the provisional answer key can submit objections online until July 8, 2025, up to 5 PM. Each challenge must be backed with proper justification and supporting documents or references, such as textbooks or academic resources, to be considered valid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The objection process can be completed through the official UGC NET portal by logging in with the application number and password or date of birth. A non-refundable fee of Rs. 200 per question is applicable for every objection raised. The payment must be made online via debit card, credit card, or net banking. Objections without payment or incomplete documentation will not be entertained. It is advisable to double-check the question ID and answer details before submitting, as no correction window will be provided for this process. What happens next Once the objection window closes, the NTA will assess all the challenges submitted by candidates. A panel of subject matter experts will review the objections and determine whether any changes are warranted. If a challenge is found valid, the answer key will be revised accordingly. The final answer key, post-verification, will be published on the official website. Based on this revised key, the NTA will prepare and release the UGC NET June 2025 results, which are expected shortly after the final key announcement. Candidates' scores and qualifying status will depend solely on the updated final key. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Tarot Horoscope Today, July 06, 2025: Daily Predictions for All Zodiac Signs
Let the cards guide you today! Your tarot reading offers insight into love, career, and personal growth. Take the message to heart and move through the day with confidence and clarity. Trust the process and let the cards reveal what you need to know. Aries Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Emperor Today, you may find clarity in a place you didn't expect. What looked difficult earlier now appears simple when you see it with fresh eyes. You are in control of your choices, and small shifts in your thinking can open big doors. Trust your instincts but allow room for new ideas to enter. An elder's advice could hold hidden wisdom. It's time to stop overthinking and start believing in your inner strength. Let go of what isn't yours to carry. Lucky Advice: Simplify before taking next step. Taurus Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Hierophant A connection from your past may return, but in a new shape or role. It may not look the same, but the feeling it brings is familiar. Be open to second chances, whether in love, work, or your personal journey. What once felt lost may just have been waiting for the right time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Listen to your heart with calm patience. Let go of past doubts, and you'll notice growth quietly blooming. Your stability comes from emotional honesty. Lucky Advice: Welcome what returns with peace. Gemini Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Lovers You may feel pulled in many directions, but peace will come when you pause. The answers you seek are not loud—they whisper in the stillness. Slow down your thoughts today and spend time in quiet reflection. The truth is not far; it's just beneath the noise. Avoid rushing decisions, especially in personal matters. Let your breath guide you back to what's really important. In slowing down, you'll gain the clarity you need. Lucky Advice: Silence helps you find truth. Cancer Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Chariot Today, your confidence rises when you stay true to what you really believe in. No need to prove anything to others. Walk your path with head held high. Emotional strength is your gift, and when you speak your truth, you inspire others too. Let your heart lead the way. Honour what feels right, not what others expect. When you trust yourself fully, success naturally follows. Lucky Advice: Be proud of your truth. Leo Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: Strength Your peace is precious today. Avoid anything or anyone that disturbs your calm. Protect your energy like it's sacred, because it is. Not everything deserves your reaction. Some things are best left with silence. You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. A calm spirit will show you the right direction more clearly than anger ever can. Listen to what brings joy and let go of the rest. Lucky Advice: Silence keeps your power safe. Virgo Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Hermit Logic may fail where your heart speaks today. Not everything will make sense on paper, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Trust your inner feeling, especially in matters of love and emotions. A quiet voice inside is guiding you gently—don't ignore it. You may feel the urge to overthink, but simplicity will bring better results. Surrender a little, and you might receive more than you imagined. Lucky Advice: Feel more, think a little less. Libra Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: Justice You may feel caught between choices, but this pause is a gift, not a block. Something deep inside is shifting, guiding you toward balance. Don't force decisions today—clarity will come when your heart and mind align. You're not stuck, you're simply realigning. Trust that even silence is part of your path. Answers will appear when you stop chasing and start listening within. Let go of pressure, and allow space for new light to enter. Lucky Advice: Pause before rushing into decisions. Scorpio Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: Death You are ready to release something that no longer belongs in your life. Letting go now will bring a surprising feeling of lightness, not loss. Whether it's a habit, fear, or memory—it's time to free yourself. This release will not only lift your mood but also clear space for something more peaceful to arrive. Trust this natural ending, it carries deep healing. You may feel emotional today, but it's leading you to brighter energy. Lucky Advice: Let go to welcome peace. Sagittarius Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: Temperance Even a small step today holds the power to shape your future. A choice made with care will create harmony in the long run. Don't rush through decisions, especially around relationships or responsibilities. You don't need to fix everything today, but one thoughtful action will open a meaningful path. Stay steady, stay kind. Balance is not a destination—it's something you create in small moments. Lucky Advice: Choose wisely, even in small things. Capricorn Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Devil Honesty is your strength today, especially when it's with yourself. Stop ignoring the feelings you've been pushing aside. Facing the truth may not feel easy, but it will give you freedom. The more you accept your emotions, the more power you regain. You've been holding back, maybe out of fear or habit—but today is a good day to be real. When you stop pretending, healing begins. Lucky Advice: Truth brings light to your path. Aquarius Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Star Today, take action rather than letting worry control you. Your thoughts may be spinning, but peace will come through movement. Even one small effort can remind you of your strength. Don't waste energy thinking of every outcome—focus on what you can do now. The universe is listening, but it answers through your steps. Trust your journey, and act with belief, not doubt. Lucky Advice: Do something before overthinking everything. Pisces Tarot Horoscope Today Today's Tarot Card: The Moon Growth is happening, even if it feels slow or invisible right now. Your heart is shifting in deep ways, even if the outer results are still forming. Be patient with yourself. Keep showing up, even when the path feels unclear. You're being shaped into something stronger, softer, and more honest. Don't lose hope because the changes are quiet. Your dreams are still working. Lucky Advice: Trust your process with soft patience. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
