Bhubaneswar, March 30: The Bahuda Yatra (return car festival) of the famous Rukuna Rath Yatra will be observed on Monday, marking the return of Lord Lingaraj from the Rameswar Temple to his abode.

After a brief annual stay at the temple of his “friend” Lord Rameswar, Lord Lingaraj will ceremonially bid farewell and return to the Lingaraj Temple. As per tradition, the deities-Chandrashekhar, Dolagobinda and Goddess Durga-will make their return journey on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shukla Dwadashi.

Religious significance surrounds the occasion, symbolising reunion and separation, with Goddess Parvati believed to be awaiting the Lord’s return at the Chahani Mandap.

Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements have been put in place by the administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. The rituals will commence early in the morning with Mangal Alati and Abakash between 5:00 am and 5:30 am. The final Sahanamela darshan at Rameswar Temple will be held from 6:00 am to 8:00 am.

The Bhoga Mandap ritual is scheduled at around 11:30 am, followed by Adhara Pana at 1:00 pm. The Pahandi ritual is expected to conclude by 2:30 pm, after which the chariot pulling will begin.

During the return journey, special offerings will be made at Asura Kheari and by various servitor groups along the route.

The festival is expected to witness a large gathering of devotees, with authorities taking necessary steps for crowd management and security.