Odisha: Lord Jagannath's 'Bahuda Yatra' Underway In Puri, Deity And His Siblings Return To Sri Mandir

The Bahuda Rath Yatra, marking the return of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple, commenced in Puri, attracting thousands of devotees.

The return car festival of Lord Jagannath, known as the 'Bahuda Yatra, held in Puri, Monday, July 15, 2024.

Source : PTI

The Bahuda Rath Yatra, also known as the ‘Return Car Festival’, is underway in Puri as the deities return to the Jagannath Temple from Gundicha Temple, marking the end of their nine-day sojourn. The festival, which features Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, saw thousands of devotees pulling the deities' chariots back to Sri Mandir.

VIDEO | Bahuda Yatra: Thousands of Lord Jagannath devotees gather as chariot-pulling procession begins in Puri.

(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRARJn4) pic.twitter.com/xSuNWaJ8rq

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2024

#WATCH | Odisha: Bahuda Rath Yatra or the ‘Return Car Festival’ underway from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple in Puri. pic.twitter.com/nUW7sR9OvC

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2024

The Pahandi rituals commenced this morning with Lord Balabhadra, followed by Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, being ceremoniously brought out to their chariots. Devotees thronged the streets to participate in the festivities and witness the grand procession.

#WATCH | Odisha: The King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performed 'Chhera Pahanra' ahead of the Bahuda Rath Yatra or the ‘Return Car Festival’ from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/nSVSKP3Asi

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2024

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida reflected on the auspiciousness of the event, saying, "It is with god's grace that we all have been able to witness this day. As soon as Prabhu Jagannath was brought out of the temple, it began raining heavily, but then the weather became sunny again. I hope Prabhu Jagannath blesses us all and the state of Odisha", news agency ANI reported

#WATCH | Puri: On the Bahuda Rath Yatra, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida says, "It is with god's grace that we all have been able to witness this day...As soon as Prabhu Jagannath was brought out of the temple, it began raining heavily. After some time the weather became sunny… pic.twitter.com/rAXIYBW5V3

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2024

Odisha Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan emphasised the global significance of the festival, stating, "It is an important day today, not just for Odisha, but for the world. We ensured everything went on in sequence and gave everyone joy. We are grateful to the administration, servitors, and the people for making the festival joyous and organised. We pray to Prabhu Jagannath to bless the people of the state and the world and we pray for everyone's peace."

#WATCH | Puri: On the Bahuda Rath Yatra, Odisha Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan says, "It is an important day today, not just for Odisha, but for the world... We made sure that everything went on in a sequence and gave everyone joy. We are grateful to the administration,… pic.twitter.com/Q4VmWjUIvf

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2024

Bahuda Rath Yatra: Security Measures Were Significantly Enhanced In Puri

Security measures were significantly enhanced in Puri to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra. According to ANI, Pinak Mishra, the Superintendent of Police in Puri, stated, "Adequate security arrangements have been made for Bahuda Yatra. We have two integrated control rooms for crowd control, chariot dragging, traffic, and parking arrangements."

Odisha's Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Sanjay Kumar, elaborated on the comprehensive preparations, saying, "With the blessings of god, all our arrangements are in place. The police force, personnel, and officers have taken their positions. We have checked all arrangements like CCTV, force deployment, traffic clearance, and crowd control, and conducted rehearsals. Today, we are not anticipating any problems."

Kumar also highlighted the substantial deployment of security forces, mentioning, "180 platoon forces, armed police forces, three companies of RAF, and two companies of CRPF have been deployed."