Punjab Newsline | Puri(Odisha)
The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra commenced in Puri, Odisha, on Wednesday, drawing millions of devotees from across India and abroad. The grand annual festival will continue until July 27, concluding with the traditional Niladri Bije ceremony.
A huge crowd gathered near the Singhadwar (Lion Gate) of the Jagannath Temple, with several devotees being taken out on stretchers after experiencing discomfort amid the heavy rush.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, who attended the festival with his mother, said more than 2.5 million devotees had arrived in Puri to witness the sacred procession.
"The roads and markets are packed with people eager to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath and touch the chariot. Despite the massive crowd, the arrangements are excellent," Chugh said. He added that he prayed for the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), as well as for global peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
The festival, however, began under the shadow of heavy rainfall. Continuous showers that started on Tuesday night continued into Wednesday, leaving several parts of Bada Danda, the Grand Road where the chariots are pulled, waterlogged.
The persistent rain caused inconvenience to thousands of pilgrims and soaked the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra before the procession began. Waterlogging at multiple locations along the route also posed challenges for devotees and authorities, even as the spiritual fervour remained undiminished.
