Puri: Amid enchanting symphony of gongs, pahandi ritual (ceremonial procession) of the Lords of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri for two-day Rath Yatra began ahead of schedule on Sunday.
According to ‘Dhadi Pahandi’ tradition, Shree Chakraraj Sudarshan is taken to the chariot first, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath. A wooden cross is fixed to their backs and thick silken ropes are tied around their heads and waists for this ceremonial procession. Lord Sudarshana and Devi Subhadra are carried on the shoulders while Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath are literally dragged through Pata Agana, Anand Bazaar, inner Lion’s Gate, Baishi Pahacha, Lion’s Gate, Gumuti, Arunastambha and finally to their respective chariots – Darpadalan, Taladhwaja and Nandighosa – amid the rhythmic swaying of their Tahiya or the traditional headgear to the beat of cymbals and chanting by the devotees in frenzied ecstasy.
Prior to Pahandi, morning rituals of Arati, Avakasha, Rosa homa (puja in the temple kitchen), Surya and Dwarapala Puja, Sakala Dhupa (morning offering-specially cooked food), Mangal Arpana, Doralagi, Puspanjali and Tuli offering, Mailam Lagi and unfastening of deities were conducted inside the 12th-century shrine.
Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb is scheduled to perform ‘Chherapahanra’ (sweeping of the decks of three chariots with a golden broom) atop the three chariots by 4 pm, following which wooden horses will be fixed to the chariots. Sarathis (charioteers) will mount the three chariots before pulling begins at 5 pm.
The chariots will be pulled to a short distance as per the tradition before the sun sets and again on Monday. This marks the sibling deities’ annual sojourn to their maternal place, Gundicha Temple, which will conclude with their return after eight days.
Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a four-day visit to Odisha, arrived in Puri to participate in the festivities. Around 180 platoons of police led by three additional DGPs and several IGPs have been deputed for the President’s security. While a VIP zone has been planned for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers and other dignitaries, a buffer zone has been planned for the President.
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