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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.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bahuda Yatra celebrated with grandeur in Vizag
Visakhapatnam: The deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on Saturday returned to the main temple at Daspalla hills near All India Radio from where they had come to the Gundicha temple at Lawsons Bay Colony on a sojourn for nine days on June 27. Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj (USS), a premier sociocultural organization in the city, organized the Rath Yatra. The deities were brought to the flower-decked chariot in a ritual called Pahandi Bije. After sweeping of the chariot platform by JK Nayak, the designated Gajapati and president of the USS, devotees pulled the chariot amidst devotional chanting and sankirtan. The Odisha govt deputed Gayatri Kala Sangathan performers from Rayagada who performed Dhimsha en route. Cultural artistes also performed various dance like Odissi, Kuchipudi, etc. USS general secretary Bimal Kumar Mahanta thanked everyone for the grand success of the Rath Yatra. The procession passed through Shanti Ashram, Vuda Park, Railway guest house, AU gate, and Vuda children's theatre to reach the main temple. Volunteers of Marwadi Yuva Manch provided drinking water and Gurudwara Saad Sangat distributed snacks. On reaching the main temple, the ritual of Lord Jagannath appeasing Devi Lakshmi by giving rasagollas was performed to open the door to allow Him and His siblings inside the sanctum sanctorum.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bahuda Jatra celebrated with great devotion and grandeur in Visakhapatnam
The Bahuda Jatra, marking the return journey of the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the main temple at Dasapalla Hills, was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur here on Friday. Organised by the Utkal Sanskrurika Samaj (USS), a prominent socio-cultural organisation of Odias in the city, the annual event drew hundreds of devotees. The deities, who had been on a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha temple located in Lawsons Bay Colony, were ceremonially brought back in a grand procession. The ritual of Pahandi Bije was performed to usher the deities onto the beautifully decorated chariot adorned with vibrant flowers. Following tradition, the chariot platform was ritually swept by the designated Gajapati, after which USS president J.K. Nayak, along with several devotees, began pulling the chariot amid resonant chanting of bhajans and Sankirtan. Adding to the spiritual and cultural fervour, the Odisha government had deputed the Gayatri Kala Sangathan from Rayagada to perform the traditional Dhimsa dance. Classical Odissi dance performances further enthralled the crowd along the route. The return procession passed through several key locations, including Shanti Ashram, VUDA Park, Railway Guest House, AU Gate, HP petrol bunk, and the VUDA Children's Theatre. Volunteers from the Marwadi Yuva Manch offered drinking water to devotees along the route, while the Gurudwara Sad Sangat provided snacks.
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Odisha Government Orders Investigation After Fatal Puri Rath Yatra Stampede
Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has condemned the tragic stampede that claimed three lives during the renowned Puri Rath Yatra celebration, calling the incident "deeply unfortunate" and promising decisive action following a comprehensive investigation. The deadly crowd surge occurred during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries among devotees who had gathered for the sacred celebration. The incident has prompted immediate administrative changes and a thorough review of safety protocols. Speaking to media representatives, Minister Harichandan assured that the state administration would conduct a rigorous inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He emphasized that appropriate measures would be implemented once investigative findings are complete, while expressing prayers for the welfare of all devotees affected by the incident. The Odisha government has initiated swift administrative action in response to the crisis. A senior-level administrative investigation has been commissioned under the supervision of the Development Commissioner. Additionally, significant personnel changes have been implemented, including the replacement of Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain with Chanchal Rana. Two officials, DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi, have been suspended for dereliction of duty. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced substantial financial support for affected families, providing ₹25 lakh compensation to each family that lost a member in the stampede. The Chief Minister expressed profound grief over the tragedy and pledged that stringent action would be taken against responsible parties while implementing measures to prevent future incidents. Emphasizing Odisha's cultural heritage, the Chief Minister described the Rath Yatra as a source of regional pride and committed to maintaining both the safety and sanctity of this significant religious festival. Despite the tragic circumstances, temple authorities confirmed that ceremonial rituals proceeded smoothly throughout the event. Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, reported that the festival's traditional elements, including the chariots' journey to Shree Gundicha Temple, were completed according to established customs. He acknowledged devotees' cooperation and requested continued support for upcoming ceremonies, particularly the important Sandhya Darshan ritual scheduled for July 4. State Director General of Police YB Khurania noted that the Pahandi Bije ceremony concluded peacefully, with millions of devotees across the nation witnessing the sacred proceedings without additional disturbances. The annual Rath Yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from throughout India, making crowd management a critical challenge for authorities. This recent tragedy has intensified focus on safety protocols and crowd control measures, with officials committed to implementing enhanced security arrangements for future religious gatherings to prevent similar incidents.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Puri Rath Yatra stampede: Law Minister vows action after probe into 'very unfortunate' incident
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as "very unfortunate" and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Puri: Police officials visit the site after a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple, in Puri, Odisha, after three people were killed in a stampede(PTI) Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. "The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation," Harichandan told reporters. He added, "Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone." Following the incident, the state government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry to be supervised by the Development Commissioner. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been appointed in place of the previous SP, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been replaced by Chanchal Rana. Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were also suspended for negligence of duty. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of ₹ 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. "Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha," the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. Meanwhile, Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office in Puri, said that the rituals during the festival were carried out smoothly despite the unfortunate incident. "The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions," he said. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania also noted that the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath was completed peacefully. "Just now, lakhs of people throughout the country witnessed the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath. There was no disturbance anywhere," he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
