Baripada: A day after the world-famous Rath Yatra at Puri, keeping with tradition pulling of chariots of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings began at Baripada today.
Considered Dwitiya Shreekhetra, the Rath Yatra of Shree Shree Haribaldew Jew Temple is unique as Devi Subhadra’s chariot is pulled by women only.
While the chariot of Lord Balabhadra had reached the Gundicha Temple at 3 PM today, the chariot of Devi Subhadra had to be parked in front of Baripada Town police station due to sunset and Lord Jagannath’s chariot remains parked near Sri Mandir yet to begin its journey.
As per the programme, after Devi Subhadra’s chariot Darpadalana reaches Gundicha Temple tomorrow, Lord Jagannath’s chariot Nandighosha will follow.
Rath Yatra being held after a hiatus of two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the weather remaining pleasant, thousands of devotees had gathered on Baripada’s Bada Danda (Grand Road) to witness the spectacle.
Odissi dancers dancing on the Grand Road in front of the chariots added a classic touch to the event as devotees soaked in bhakti pulled the chariots.
Elaborate security arrangements and provision of drinking water were made by the police and district administration for the event.
