11 hours ago
Tribals pull ‘tallest' chariot in Keonjhar
Keonjhar: Thousands of devotees converged in Keonjhar town on Friday to participate in Rath Yatra. The chariot of Lord Balabhadra, considered the world's 'tallest' chariot, became the focal point of celebrations, drawing crowds from far and wide.
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Festivities commenced in the afternoon as servitors performed 'Dhadi Pahandi' ritual, ceremoniously escorting the deities from the temple to the chariot amid religious chants, creating a sanctified atmosphere.
Panchanan Sahu, a servitor and caretaker of the temple, said, "This morning, we conducted rituals for the deities in the temple. In the afternoon, the deities were beautifully decorated and brought out in a traditional procession by the Pahandi sevayats to be placed on the chariot.
Following 'Chhera Pahanra' performed by Keonjhar king Dhananjay Narayan Bhanjdeo, devotees enthusiastically pulled the chariot to the Gundicha temple.
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Keonjhar MP Anant Nayak said, "The car festival in Keonjhar is distinct, reflecting tribal culture. Devotees pull the world's tallest chariot using ropes made from 'siali' creepers."
The Sri Baladevjew Temple, the epicentre, saw the deities embark on the Nandighosh chariot.
The procession began around 3pm, with the chariot pulling commencing at approximately 5:30pm. Favourable weather allowed thousands of devotees to participate in the chariot pulling, with traditional Galgandi being consumed along the route.
By 6:40pm, the chariot reached the Gundicha temple, with the procession narrated by eminent poets and writers. As evening descended, a large crowd gathered to witness the deities.
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Senior administration and police officials were present to ensure the event proceeded peacefully. Security measures were heightened to prevent any untoward incident and maintain order. The Rath Yatra in Keonjhar attracts tribal communities from the hills and forests to participate.
Ramesh Chandra Nayak, district culture officer, said, "Several cultural programmes, including 'bhajan' and recitations by cultural troupes, will be held on the Bada Danda."
