Joyous Return: Devotees Pull Jagannath Chariots in Bahuda Yatra

Thousands of devotees pulled the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra during the 'Bahuda Yatra' or return car festival. The event, beginning ahead of schedule, was marked by chants, rituals, and heavy security. The deities will stay on the chariots overnight before a special ritual on July 16.

Thousands of devotees gathered on Monday to pull the chariots of sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra—during the 'Bahuda Yatra' or return car festival.

Although the chariot-pulling was scheduled for 4 p.m., the event began earlier amid enthusiastic chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and the rhythmic beating of cymbals.

The proceedings started at 3:25 p.m. with the pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot ‘Taladwaja,’ followed by Devi Subhadra’s ‘Devadalan’ at 4 p.m., and Lord Jagannath’s ‘Nandighosh’ at 4:15 p.m.

The ritual commenced after Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaj Divya Singha Deb, carried out the 'cheerapahanra' ritual by sweeping the chariots with a golden broom and sprinkling holy water.

The deities, who had left the Jagannath Temple on July 7 during the Rath Yatra and stayed at Gundicha temple for a week, are now returning in the Bahuda Yatra.

The trinity was ceremonially escorted to their chariots from the Gundicha Temple in the presence of lakhs of devotees, secured by 180 platoons of police and 1,000 officers for crowd management during the event.

Additional security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, have been implemented throughout the temple town, as stated by Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar. An estimated five lakh people are expected to participate in the festival.

On Monday night, the deities will remain on their chariots in front of the 'Singha Dwar' (Lion’s Gate) of the 12th-century shrine, followed by the 'Sunabesha' (golden attire) ritual on July 16, where they will be adorned with gold jewelry.