Puri: Padhandi ritual of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, who will embark on nine-day annual sojourn, will begin at the 12th-century shrine in Odisha’s Puri around 1.30 am on Sunday after the consecration of the chariots – Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath and Madan Mohan, Debadalana Ratha for Devi Subhadra and Shri Chakraraj Sudarshan and Taladhwaja for Balabhadra Prabhu and Ramakrishna.
The word Pahandi originates from the Sanskrit word Padamundanam, which in the local dialect means a slow step-by-step movement with the spreading of feet.
According to ‘Dhadi Pahandi’ tradition, Shri 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. At the seven-stairs northern exit from the dancing hall, the three deities assemble and receive giant floral crowns, called Tahiya, richly decorated massive headgears offered by the Raghav Das Mutt.
Lord Sudarshana and Devi Subhadra are carried on the shoulders while Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath are literally dragged through the Pata Agana, Anand Bazaar, inner Lion’s Gate, Baishi Pahacha, Lion’s Gate, Gumuti, Arunastambha and finally to their respective chariots in rhythmic movement amid the beat of cymbals and chanting by the devotees in frenzied ecstasy.
Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb will then perform ‘Chherapahanra’ (sweeping of the decks of three chariots with a golden broom) atop the three chariots. The king will be taken on a palanquin from his royal palace, which is about 300 metres from the temple. The ritual will be completed 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 resumed again on Monday.
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Elaborate arrangements have been made in the pilgrim town for smooth conduct of the festival. Odisha Police is implementing AI technology on a pilot basis to enhance traffic and crowd management. Special security arrangements are in place for the President’s visit to the festival. 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. Around 180 platoons of police led by three additional DGPs and several IGPs have been deputed on President’s security.
Rath Yatra falls on the Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the bright fortnight of the Sharad Paksha, a fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Asadh. This year, the chariot will be pulled over two days due to due to specific celestial arrangements.
Rains may prove a dampener for the annual festival in Puri on Monday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy showers over the coastal district.
This marks the sibling deities journey to their maternal place, Gundicha Temple, and will conclude with their return after eight days.
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