Puri: The biggest attraction of Puri Rath Yatra, the pulling of chariots began at around 3.04 PM.
Though earlier scheduled at 4.00 PM, due to the early completion of rituals, the pulling of chariots began at 3.04 PM.
Taladhwaja-the chariot of Lord Balabhadra was the first to roll on the Bada Danda followed by Darpadalana-the chariot of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosa-the chariot of Lord Jagannath.
Devotees pulled the chariots to the chants of Haribol and Jay Jagannatha.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath who was present on the Bada Danda also pulled Nandighosa-the chariot of Lord Jagannath along with other devotees. Patnaik was accompanied by 5T Secretary VK Pandian.
