In PICS | Rath Yatra Begins In Puri, Lakhs Of Devotees Gather For Celebrations After COVID-Induced Curbs

During Jagannath Yatra, three Raths of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are pulled by devotees. (PTI Photo)

Devotees throng the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri July 1. (PTI Photo)

Different rituals including the Chhera Panhara are conducted several hours before the yatra. (PTI Photo)

A devotee dances with torches during commencement of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri. (PTI Photo)

A devotee performs during commencement of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri. (PTI Photo)

Lakhs of people participate in the Jagannath Rath Yatra as the chariot is being pulled in Puri, Odisha. (PTI Photo)

The 'Yatra' commenced Friday after two years of a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people on the occasion of Rath Yatra. Greetings on the special day of Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath for his constant blessings. May we all be blessed with good health and happiness, he tweeted. (PTI Photo)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the 'Mangla Aarti' for the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra or chariot procession, in Ahmedabad on July 1 where it is also being celebrated. (PTI Photo)

Monks of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) give final touches to a chariot ahead of 'Rath Yatra' festival, in Kolkata on June 26. (PTI Photo)