Grand Return: Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath

The Bahuda Yatra, or return car festival of Lord Jagannath, takes place Monday, marking the deities' return from the Gundicha Temple to the 12th-century Jagannath shrine. Security measures are stringent, with extensive police deployment. The ceremonial procession, led by titular king Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb, sees massive participation.

The grand Bahuda Yatra, marking the return car festival of Lord Jagannath, will be observed on Monday. The deities will journey from the Gundicha Temple to the historic 12th-century Jagannath Shrine.

According to temple schedules, the ceremonial procession, Pahandi, featuring Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Chakraraj Sudarshan, is set to commence at noon. Chariot pulling will begin at 4 PM, subsequent to the titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb, performing the 'Cheera Pahanra' ritual. Devotees will then pull the chariots, as confirmed by a temple administration official.

Odisha Police has strategically deployed 180 platoons and 1,000 officers to ensure law and order, supplemented by extensive CCTV surveillance. Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar assures that adequate security arrangements are in place, anticipating around five lakh attendees. This follows the deities' journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra on July 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)