Bhubaneswar, March 26: The historic Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj will be held today in the city, with all preparations completed and devotees eagerly awaiting the grand procession.
The chariot stands ready for Lord Lingaraj, who will ascend it and proceed towards Rameswar Temple along with Dolagobinda and Goddess Durga. The administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival, which is expected to draw large crowds.
The consecration of the Rukuna Rath was performed late on Wednesday night in the presence of 18 Kshetrabasi Brahmins and priests from Puri. Prior to this, the Works Department carried out a fitness check of the chariot.
As per the schedule, rituals began early in the morning with Mangala Alati and Abakash between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, followed by other key rituals and offerings. The Pahandi procession is scheduled for 10:45 AM, while the deities will be taken to the chariot by 11:45 AM. Devotees will be allowed darshan till 1:45 PM, and the chariot pulling will commence at around 2:30 PM.
After receiving the ceremonial ‘Agyanmala’, devotees will pull the chariot amid chants and traditional music. The Rath will move towards Rameswar Temple, halting at Shivatirtha and Gopaltirtha Maths for rituals, and is expected to reach its destination by around 6:30 PM.
Tight security arrangements have been put in place, with deployment of two DCPs, three Additional DCPs, 16 platoons of police force, along with inspectors, women constables, and other personnel.
In addition, special arrangements have been made for devotees, including extra ‘Ama Bus’ services by CRUT, drinking water facilities by WATCO and BMC, medical support from BMC hospitals, and water sprinkling by the Fire Services Department to tackle heat.
For the first time, the Rukuna Rath Yatra will be telecast live by Doordarshan.
