Bhubaneswar: The Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is ready to roll out on the auspicious occasion of Ashokastami on Thursday. Artisans and temple servitors have been working tirelessly through the night to give the final touches to the massive wooden chariot, ensuring its strength and beauty before the revered procession begins.
Thousands of devotees are expected to throng the streets of Bhubaneswar to witness the majestic journey of Lord Lingaraj from the shrine to the Rameshwar Temple. The chariot, decorated with intricate designs and traditional motifs, stands as a symbol of devotion and craftsmanship.
The rituals will unfold in a carefully sequenced manner throughout Thursday. The day will begin with the Mangala Aarti between 4 and 4.30 am, followed by the Pahandi procession of the deities from 10.45 to 11:45 am. Once the deities are placed on the chariot, rituals on the Rath will be performed from 11.45 am to 1.45 pm. The Ghoda Bandha and Rath Charamala, the final chariot rituals, will take place between 1.45 and 2:30 pm, after which the grand movement of the Rath will commence from 2.30 pm onwards. By evening, the chariot is expected to reach the Rameshwar Temple around 6:30 pm, culminating
with the Bada Singhara Besha, the grand attire of the deity, at 7.30 pm.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Barricades, medical aid stations, and water distribution points are being set up to manage the large crowds. Security personnel will be deployed along the Rath path to maintain order and facilitate the movement of devotees.
Traffic Restrictions:
The Commissionerate Police has issued a traffic advisory imposing restrictions on vehicular movement in the city in view of the festival.
As per the order, no vehicle will be allowed on Rath Road from Mausimaa Chowk. Traffic will be diverted towards Museum Chowk or Vivekananda Marg.
Vehicular movement will be prohibited on Rath Road from Barik Sahi Lane, Maharana Sahi Lane, Gosagreswar Chowk, Sital Sasthi Lane, Tinimundia Chowk, Harchandi Lane, Muna Medical Lane, Punama Gate Lane, and other connecting by-lanes.
No vehicles will be permitted on Rath Road from Rath Khala, and traffic will instead be diverted towards Bata Mahadev Temple.
The police stated that the restrictions are being enforced in the interest of public safety, and any violation will attract penalties under the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003.
However, the restrictions will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire services, and ambulances.
Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh urged the public to plan their routes accordingly and cooperate with authorities. He also noted that in case of any delay in chariot pulling, the restrictions may remain in force until the following day.