Bhubaneswar: Three chariots (Nandighosh, Taladhwaja and Darpadalan) are all set to roll on the Bada Danda in the pilgrim town Puri today, taking the holy trinity on a 2.5 km ride to Shree Gundicha temple.
The traditional carpenters and painters known as Maharana Sevayats have given the finishing touches to the three magnificent chariots of the Lords.
This year the Nava Youvan Darshan, Netrotsav and Rath Yatra are falling on the same day after a gap of 53 years throwing a big challenge before the priests and the administration to complete all the rituals to ensure the pulling of chariots starts by 5 p.m.
The temple administration discussed with the servitors for smooth and timely conduct of rituals today.
On the other hand, lakhs of devotees flocked to the holy coastal town to witness the divine event of the Lord of the universe. A wave of euphoria swept across the pilgrim town with the deities commencing their nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple.
From the early morning, devotees from faraway places started arriving in the town to participate in the grand religious extravaganza.
The police have made elaborate arrangements for the hassle-free festival as many VVIPs including President Droupadi Murmu, the chief minister, Governor and union ministers will attend the event.
