Thousands gather in Keonjhar to watch ceremony
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Keonjhar: Thousands of devotees from across the district gathered here to witness the Suna Besha ceremony atop the 'world's tallest' chariot on Sunday.
Sources said on Sunday morning, the devotees pulled the Nandighosh chariot, which was stopped on Saturday during Bahuda Yatra due to heavy rain.
After the chariot was parked near the Shri Baladevjew Temple at 10:40am, the traditional Suna Besha ceremony was performed.
Extensive arrangements were made by the district administration, police and temple authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals. Security was tightened with a cordon put around the chariot for helping devotees witness the ceremony smoothly. Traffic was restricted from 3pm to ensure the devotees didn't face any inconvenience to reach near the chariot.
While Lord Balabhadra is adorned with a gold crown having 14 precious stones, Lord Jagannath wore a gold crown with 12 stones, and Devi Subhadra had a gold crown with 12 stones. Other jewellery included two pairs of gold earrings, a necklace, a gold 'rudraksha garland', a silver crown, four silver hands, four silver legs and four silver feet.
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