PURI: Today, amidst the vibrant chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and the ceremonial beating of drums, the ancient city of Puri prepares for the sacred 'Bahuda Yatra', marking the return car festival of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings from the Gundicha Temple to their revered abode at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple. The day begins with the solemn 'Pahandi' procession at noon, symbolizing the culmination of their nine-day sojourn.
This auspicious event holds deep spiritual significance as it signifies the journey of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra back to their divine home. Devotees eagerly await the opportunity to pull the deities' elaborately adorned chariots through the streets of Puri, a tradition steeped in reverence and devotion.
Scheduled to commence at 4 pm, the chariot-pulling ceremony will follow the completion of the Pahandi procession. Integral to the ritual, the titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb, will perform the 'Chhera Pahanra', a symbolic act of sweeping the chariots, signifying humility and service to the divine.
"With the anticipation of approximately five lakh devotees gathering for the Bahuda Yatra, security measures have been meticulously planned," assured Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Odisha. A robust deployment of 180 platoons of Odisha Police, each comprising 30 personnel, alongside 1,000 officers and additional forces from RAF and CRPF, ensures comprehensive safety and crowd management.
"We have ensured every detail from CCTV surveillance to traffic management and crowd control," Kumar affirmed, underscoring the authorities' readiness to manage the large influx of pilgrims and tourists converging for this sacred occasion.
Following rigorous preparations and rehearsals, Kumar expressed confidence in a seamless conduct of the festival, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution of security protocols to maintain peace and order.
The Bahuda Yatra concludes the annual Rath Yatra, where devotees from far and wide participate fervently in pulling the adorned chariots towards the Gundicha Temple. Symbolizing the end of their celestial journey, the Yatra serves as a testament to the deep-rooted faith and cultural vibrancy of Odisha's spiritual heritage.
This article has been crafted to ensure clarity and simplicity, catering to Google-friendly standards while honoring the rich traditions and spiritual essence of the Bahuda Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha.
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