G. Udayagiri, July 17: Defying intermittent drizzle triggered by a low-pressure system, hundreds of devotees gathered at G. Udayagiri to take part in the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath on Thursday.

The ceremonial consecration of the three chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana, and Nandighosha—was conducted in accordance with traditional rituals under the supervision of senior priest Suryanarayan Acharya. Arun Kumar Sadangi officiated as the chief yajaman (ritual host).

Following the consecration, the temple servitors carried out the traditional Pahandi procession, during which Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Sudarshan were ceremonially escorted and installed on their respective chariots.

The Chhera Pahanra ritual, performed by K. Ramakrishna Patra, marked the formal commencement of the chariot procession. Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja chariot was the first to proceed toward the Mausi Maa Temple. In a notable highlight of the festival, local women enthusiastically pulled Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalana chariot to the temple. Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot followed, concluding the grand procession.

The festival witnessed an impressive turnout despite the rainy weather, reflecting the unwavering devotion of the faithful.

Administrative and security arrangements were overseen by the G. Udayagiri Tahsildar, the NAC Executive Officer, the Officer-in-Charge of Adarsh Police Station, the in-charge Block Development Officer (BDO), the Additional Tahsildar, the Fire Services Officer, and other government officials, ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event.