Bhubaneswar: The sacred city of Puri is abuzz with excitement as the annual Rath Yatra festival has begun. Devotees worldwide are currently captivated by the majestic Pahandi Bije procession of Lord Balabhadra.
With major Rath Yatra rituals awaiting to be held, let’s delve into the meticulously planned schedule of rituals, carefully outlined by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The Rath Yatra rituals will unfold as follows: Pahandi will conclude at 12:30 pm, marking an important milestone. Immediately after, the deities Sri Madanmohan, Sri Ram, and Sri Krushna will be seated in their respective chariots from 12:30 pm to 1 pm.
The next rituals will take place from 1:30 pm to 2 pm, when the Chitalagi ceremony will be performed. Simultaneously, the Besha Sesa ritual will be conducted from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, adding to the sacred proceedings.
As the festivities progress, the Chhera Pahanra ritual will be performed from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Later, the Charamalaphita ceremony will take place, and the Ghoda and Sarathi will be installed at 4 pm. Finally, the highlight of the Rath Yatra, the chariot pulling, will commence at 4 pm, marking the grand culmination of the rituals.
A Glimpse Into The Rituals
- Pahandi ends: 12.30 pm
- Sri Madanmohan, Sri Ram, Sri Krushna Bije: 12.30 pm to 1 pm
- Chitalagi: 1.30 pm to 2 pm
- Besha Sesa: 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm
- Chhera Pahanra: 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
- Charamalaphita, installation of Ghoda, Sarathi: 4 pm
- Chariot pulling: 4 pm
