Bhubaneswar: The ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities, also called the ‘Pahandi’, started ahead of schedule on Monday.
On the occasion of ‘Bahuda Yatra’, which marks the return journey of the Chaturdha Murti (including Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan) to the Shree Mandir, the pahandi rituals began at 10:50 am.
Lord Sudarshan was escorted to his chariot by servitors in a grand procession, followed by the pahandi of Lord Balabhadra, who was carried to his 44-foot chariot, Taladhwaja.
Next, the servitors carried Devi Subhadra to her chariot, Darpadalana, decked with a covering of red and black colours, symbolising Shakti.
The pahandi of Lord Jagannath started at approximately 12:20 pm, with the Lord of the universe emerging from the temple in His usual style, dancing, and swinging along with servitors.
As soon as Lord Jagannath came into sight, the joyous devotees screamed “Jai Jagannath” and “Hari Bol”, singing the glory of the Mahaprabhu.
A sea of devotees surrounded the Gundicha Temple premises and Grand Road to witness the graceful procession of the Trinity and seek blessings by pulling the chariots.
At approximately 01:05 pm, Lord Jagannath climbed to the top of his 16-wheeled, tallest chariot, ‘Nandigosha’, marking the end of the Pahandi rituals and the commencement of the return journey of the chariots.
