Ira Singh
Khabar Khabaron Ki,28 June’25

The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Puri on Friday with the ceremonial Pahandi procession, marking the start of the revered journey of the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—to the Gundicha Temple. Although the Pahandi ritual commenced an hour later than scheduled, the three-hour-long procession unfolded with grandeur, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad. The deities were carried from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to their elaborately decorated chariots near the Lion’s Gate, in preparation for their 2.6 km journey.

 

As part of the sacred traditions, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb performed the Chhera Pahanra ritual, sweeping the chariot platforms with a golden-handled broom, followed by aarti and chamer seva, symbolizing humility and devotion. The deities’ chariots began rolling towards the Gundicha Temple amid a sea of chanting devotees, vibrant music, and spiritual fervor. The divine procession is set to culminate at the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will reside for a week before returning to their abode.
To manage the massive crowd and ensure a smooth event, over 10,000 personnel, including NSG snipers, anti-terror units, state police, and NDRF teams, have been deployed. The security has been further strengthened in light of recent Indo-Pak tensions. Authorities have banned drone activity over the temple premises, and several unauthorized drones have already been seized. NDRF teams remain on standby for emergencies, with multiple mock drills conducted in advance to test preparedness.The administration has implemented robust crowd and weather management protocols, including flood safeguards and infrastructure readiness. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi welcomed all devotees, urging them to participate with unwavering faith. “Join the Rath Yatra with faith and devotion, witness the divine glimpse of Mahaprabhu atop the chariot, and receive His blessings,” he said. The Rath Yatra continues to serve as a beacon of spiritual unity, drawing people of all backgrounds to partake in its sacred grandeur.

In Ahmedabad, the 148th edition of the historic Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was also taken out from the centuries-old Lord Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the Mangala Aarti at the temple in the early hours on Friday.

As per tradition, the grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balbhadra and Devi Subhadra, are being pulled by members of the Khalasi community—a practice upheld for generations.This iconic event, celebrated as one of the longest chariot processions in India, is witnessing a turnout of over a million devotees.As the chariots roll through the city, the vibrant procession features 18 elephants, nearly 100 decorated trucks, 30 akharas showcasing martial arts, and thousands of devotees chanting in unison—offering a vivid display of Gujarat’s spiritual and cultural fervor.To ensure smooth and safe conduct of the yatra, authorities have deployed more than 23,800 security personnel, including the State Reserve Police, Chetak Commandos, Rapid Action Force, and local police. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik visited the command-and- control room to oversee preparations and monitor live surveillance operations.

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