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Hans India
06-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Devotees pull chariot as Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra return to main temple
Visakhapatnam: Amidst sounds of cymbals and conches, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra returned to the main temple of Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj after a brief sojourn at Gundicha temple. Known as 'Bahuda yatra', the return journey symbolically marked the completion of the deities' nine-day-long visit to their aunt's place. In Visakhapatnam, the return yatra is celebrated by the Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj, a premier socio-cultural organisation of Odias, with spiritual fervour. Following 'Pahandi Bije' ritual, the deities were taken to the chariot. The yatra commenced after president of the samaj JK Nayak swept the platform as part of the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual. All along the route, artistes from Gayatri Kala Sangathan from Rayagada performed cultural programmes, including Dhimsa dance. Also, there was a presentation of Odissi and Kuchipudi dance performances by a team of artistes. The procession passed through Lawson's Bay Colony via VUDA Park and children's theatre before reaching the main temple near All India Radio. Marwadi Yuva Manch and Gurudwara Sadh Sangat reached out to devotees through voluntary services. A number of devotees took part in the yatra along with general secretary of the samaj Bimal Kumar Mahanta, among others.
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bahuda Yatra goes smoothly as divine trinity returns home
PURI : With the government leaving nothing to chance after the gross mismanagement of Rath Yatra, which led to loss of three lives in a stampede, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi himself taking the reins, the Bahuda Yatra (return journey) of the Holy Trinity was conducted smoothly in Puri on Saturday. Shaken by the series of untoward incidents, the administration meticulously planned the Bahuda event, revamping traffic arrangements and the command and control centre to effectively manage the crowd. The government engaged with the servitors to perform all rituals on time, including the conduct of the pahandi (ceremonial procession of deities). As a result, the pahandi was completed by 12.30 pm, two hours before the scheduled time. The Chhera Pahanra ritual was performed by Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb on the three chariots and completed by 2.40 pm, one hour ahead of schedule. The chariot pulling was scheduled for 4 pm, but the first Taladhwaja rath of Lord Balabhadra rolled out at 3 pm. The sky was thickly overcast, and it was drizzling all through the day. Over half a million devotees converged at Badadanda (Grand Road) and participated in the pulling of the chariots to the Jagannath temple.
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Bahuda Yatra: Puri immerses in devotion as deities return to Jagannath Temple amid festive fervour
Puri (Odisha) [India], July 5 (ANI): The coastal town of Puri is immersed in devotion and cultural splendour as the grand 'Bahuda Yatra' unfolds as the ceremonial chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra leave the Shri Gundicha Temple and return to the Shri Jagannath Temple. The festival completes its last act with Bahuda Yatra, the 'return journey,' deeply spiritual and a cultural spectacle with people witnessing the return of Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot, Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja chariot, and Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalan chariot. Though the pulling of chariots was slated to start at 4 pm, it began at about 2.45 pm much ahead of the schedule amid chants of 'Jai Jagannath', 'Haribol' and beating of cymbals. Earlier, the sibling deities - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, were carried to 'Taladwaj', 'Darpadalan' and 'Nandighosh' chariots respectively in a ritual called 'Pahandi'. The pahandi of the trinity began with Chakraraj Sudarshan, followed by Lord Balabhdra, Devi Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannath. Though the 'Pahandi' ritual was earlier scheduled to begin at 12 noon, it started at 10 am, much earlier. The ceremonial procession took around two hours following which the deities were seated on the chariots. The return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their main temple is seen as a return to cosmic order, where they resume their divine roles and join Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath's consort. This marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees to the sacred city. The streets of Puri buzz with vibrant performances as artists and devotees celebrate the occasion. Amid the beating of gongs, and blowing of conches and cymbals, Pahandi rituals were performed by the Sevayats. While Lord Balabhadra was carried to the chariot on a line called 'Dhadi Pahandi', Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath, was brought to her 'Darpadalan' chariot in a special procession called 'Sunya Pahandi' (the Goddess looking at the sky while being carried to the chariot) by servitors. Before the Pahandi, a number of customary rituals like 'Mangla Arati' and 'Mailam' were held before the presiding deities came out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual or sweeping of the floor of the chariots with a golden broom was performed by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, on all the chariots. The ritual started at 1.35 pm. The Gajapati Maharaja began Chhera Pahanra on Taladwaj chariot of Lord Balabhadra followed by Lord Jagannath's chariot and lastly on Devi Subhadra's chariot. Lakhs of devotees have thronged the pilgrim town of Puri to witness the annual Bahuda Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. Earlier in the day, Advisor to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former Odisha DGP Prakash Mishra said, 'All the rituals of Mahaprabhu are taking place ahead of their scheduled time. With his blessings, everyone is working with great enthusiasm. We hope that the Yatra will conclude at the right time today...I extend heartfelt greetings and gratitude to our servitors for doing everything on time...' Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling also spoke to ANI and said, 'The weather is so good today. Preparatory work is also good. 'Nitikanti' is taking place ahead of the scheduled time. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Bahuda Yatra will go on smoothly. We pray to Lord Jagannath that this is His Yatra and the coming together of devotees and God should happen smoothly, and that the Yatra takes place well...' Security arrangements were significantly strengthened outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple. Police presence was enhanced, particularly outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, where nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the massive gathering of devotees. Speaking to ANI, Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said extensive security measures are in place for the smooth conduct of the return chariot said, 'More than 10000 police personnel have been deployed... We have around eight companies of the RAF.' Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Khurania on Saturday also expressed confidence in the peaceful conduct of the grand festival amid heightened security deployment. Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to the Bahuda Yatra with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach on July 4. Girijashankar Sarangi, a devotee, shared the significance of the occasion and said, 'Mahaprabhu was born here at Gundicha Temple... Today, after nine days of celebrations, Mahaprabhu will be heading home. On the way, Mahaprabhu's chariot will stop at the Mausi Maa temple, where he will be offered poda pitha, and it will then be distributed as prasad among devotees. The procession will then proceed to the Shri Jagannath Temple.' (ANI)
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Lord Jagannath's 'Bahuda' Yatra: Chariot pulling begins
The 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.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Hauz Khas Rath Yatra celebrates 47 years
By Swayamshree Satyam Sethi The market lanes of Hauz Khas saw devotees pack the streets on June 27 as they celebrated Odisha's annual Rath Yatra. In its 47th year in the Capital, with bells and chants by enthusiasts from across the city, they brought in the spirit and rituals of the renowned chariot event that honours Lord Jagannath. More than 1,500 km away from Puri's coastal sands, the event adhered to every sacred protocol. 'Each and everything here, from the Pahandi (journey of the deities) to Chhera Pahanra (the ritual of sweeping the chariots) follows the sanctity and tradition of Puri,' says Ravi Pradhan, secretary, Neelachala Seva Sangha, which organises the annual yatra in Delhi. 'I feel proud to pull the Rath. It's a blessing, a fortune,' he added. As the chariot moved past temples and alleys to the rhythm of the mridanga and conch shells, one could see and hear that Jagannath's majesty had crossed regional borders. Apart from the spiritual beauty, it was the perfect planning that made the event memorable. 'We had provisions for water and langar (community meals) for the devotees,' says Nirmal Dhal, the senior priest and a member of managing committee, 'The crowd was huge but all the bhakts were satisfied, that's our bhagwan's bhog (offering to the Gods).' Pradhan reflected on the larger significance of the festival. 'In urban cities like Delhi, it's vital to preserve and showcase Odisha's cultural richness. To safeguard our heritage, we organise performances through the year, including Odissi, Daskathia and Pala,' he says. The Jagannath temple in Hauz Khas has been a place of worship for more than four decades. 'The temple's foundation was laid in 1967 and the first floor was completed by 1971,' says Pradhan. In about eight years, the temple was completed. The story reflects the aspirations of Odisha's migrant workers who moved to Delhi in the 1950s from Patamundi, Mandapada and Taradipada, mostly plumbers in search of work. During the Raja festival (the three-day festival that honours fertility and the onset of monsoon) of 1960, they dreamed about a sacred space that would keep them connected to their faith. 'Back then, the founders of the temple, Durjyodhan Pradhan and Kalahandi Maharaj Pratap Keshari Deo guided by a shared purpose, envisioned the temple,' says Pradhan, 'Devotees from Banapur had arrived at the Old Delhi Railway Station with idols from Puri. The authorities there would not allow them to be sent by air. Durjyodhan Pradhan had to keep the idol at his home till the temple was ready. With the help from Member of Parliament RN Singh Deo and the Delhi's then Lt Governor LN Jha, they found land in Haus Khas for the temple, which was built similar to the one in Puri.' From 1979, the temple food rituals began. 'Every ritual, from bhoga preparation to aarti is performed with Puri's discipline,' says Dhal. Even as they prepare for the return of the deities this weekend, Dhal adds, 'For me, serving Mahaprabhu Jagannath here is not just a tradition, it's a legacy. It's not just an annual festival for us, this is a lifestyle. Every year, when we pull the rope chanting Lord Jagannath's name, it feels like Puri itself has come to Delhi.' Swayamshree Satyam Sethi is an intern at The Indian Express
