Puri, Jul 5: On the auspicious occasion of Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath and His siblings from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Mandir, an overwhelming wave of devotion swept through Puri as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the divine spectacle. Among the sea of worshippers stood out a unique offering of love and surrender- Odissi dancers performing in divine reverence before the Lord’s chariot.
Renowned actress Rani Priyadarsini, dressed as Meera Bai-the saint-poetess known for her unflinching devotion- mesmerised the crowd as she danced barefoot in the rain-soaked streets of Srikshetra. With a veena in her hand and ghungroos adorning her feet, her every move echoing her faith in Lord Jagannath, also affectionately called Kalia.
“I felt no tiredness while dancing for the Holy Trinity. The sound of bells and conchs lifted my soul,” said Priyadarsini, overwhelmed with emotion. “To dance in front of His chariot on Grand Road is not just a performance, but a blessing granted only by Mahaprabhu Himself.”
Joining her in this spiritual celebration were many Odissi and Mahari dance artists who performed with equal zeal, transforming the atmosphere of Puri into a living temple of rhythm and devotion. The beats of traditional instruments, combined with graceful dance postures, added to the spiritual fervour of Bahuda Yatra.
Artist Shraddha Bali, another Odissi dancer, also performed in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot. “It is my greatest fortune to present my dance in His honour. Despite the immense crowd, I was able to come near the chariot and offer my devotion through dance. Only by the Lord's will could this have been possible,” she shared.
Meanwhile, the Puri police administration ensured tight security with the deployment of modern drones and AI-enabled cameras for crowd control and surveillance. “Considering the heavy footfall of devotees, we have taken all necessary precautions to maintain order,” said Puri SP Pinak Mishra, urging all devotees to cooperate and follow guidelines.
Devotees from across the country have travelled long distances to witness the return journey of the Lord. Their devotion is not just expressed in chants and prayers, but through selfless acts of service and artistic offerings such as these sacred dances.
In the divine land of Lord Jagannath, where every emotion turns into worship, the Bahuda Yatra becomes not just a return of the Lord but a return of the soul to its source.
