Bhubaneswar: The five-day long Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj commenced on Saturday, marking the holy occasion of Ashokastami. Following various rituals that began early in the morning, Lord Lingaraj’s chariot rolled out in the afternoon, accompanied by enthusiastic devotees pulling the chariot.
The air was filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, Haribol, and hulhuli, creating a devotional atmosphere on the Rath Road. Despite a delay in rituals, which pushed the chariot pulling back from the scheduled 3:30 pm, lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the grand event.
The charit rituals started at 5 am, with Mangala Aarti performed between 5 am and 5:30 am, followed by Sahana Mela darshan. The Mahasnan ritual took place between 7 pm and 8 pm, after Rosha or Pak Puja and Chhamu Pariskar Niti.
Some devotees expressed dissatisfaction due to the delay in rituals. However, many braved the afternoon heat to pull the chariot, filling the atmosphere with Haribol and Huluhuli sounds.
To ensure orderly procession and devotee security, a large police force was deployed, with 13 platoon forces stationed in the temple area under the leadership of the DCP.
During this five-day journey, Lord Lingaraj, Dolagobinda, and sister Rukmini will visit the Rameswaram shrine, with the Bahuda Yatra scheduled for four days later.
