Bhubaneswar: The annual Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj, held in the city on the occasion of Ashokastami, was suspended midway on Thursday shortly after it began, following heavy rain and gusty winds that disrupted the procession.
According to sources, the chariot was halted near Badhei Banka square after it veered off its designated path during the pulling. Despite adverse weather conditions triggered by a nor’wester, devotees continued to pull the chariot with enthusiasm and devotion.
The situation turned concerning when the wooden chariot climbed onto a roadside drain, leading to a temporary loss of control. During the incident, the chariot reportedly brushed against nearby houses, causing panic among local residents. However, no major damage or injuries have been reported.
Officials and volunteers promptly intervened to manage the situation and ensure the safety of devotees and bystanders. Considering the risks posed by the weather and the misalignment of the chariot, authorities decided to suspend the procession for the day.
The chariot will remain stationed at Badhei Banka square, and the pulling is scheduled to resume on Friday after necessary measures are taken to realign it safely onto its designated route.
Earlier in the day, the commencement of the procession had already been delayed due to late completion of ritualistic proceedings.
The Rukuna Rath Yatra, one of the major festivals of Bhubaneswar, draws thousands of devotees every year who gather to witness and participate in the grand chariot procession of Lord Lingaraj.
