Puri, July 22: Preparations for the annual Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple, are in full swing. As part of the traditional rituals, all three chariots have been turned southward ahead of the festival.

The ritual followed the observance of Hera Panchami, during which Goddess Mahalakshmi symbolically expressed her displeasure by breaking a wooden portion of Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot before returning to the main temple.

On Tuesday, Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalana chariot was turned south and positioned in front of the Nakachana Gate of the Gundicha Temple. Heavy rainfall, however, delayed the repositioning of Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja and Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariots.

The remaining two chariots were successfully turned south on Wednesday morning. The Nandighosha chariot was later moved near the Nakachana Gate, completing the repositioning of all three chariots. Temple authorities are expected to inspect the chariots following the completion of the process.

Continuous rainfall has left the chariots surrounded by water on the Saradhabali grounds. Authorities have erected barricades around the chariots and placed them under tight security to ensure their safety.

The Bahuda Yatra is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 24. With preparations gathering pace, thousands of devotees are eagerly awaiting the return journey of the Holy Trinity to the Jagannath Temple.