Puri, July 16: As the annual Rath Yatra 2026 got underway in Puri on Friday, a devotee from Mysore in Karnataka offered a 10-foot-long incense stick (agarbatti) to Lord Jagannath, adding to the spiritual fervour surrounding the grand festival.

The giant agarbatti was presented as a sacred offering to Lord Jagannath, symbolising the devotee's deep faith and reverence. The unique offering attracted the attention of pilgrims and visitors gathered in the holy city to witness the world-famous chariot festival.

Every year, devotees from different parts of the country visit Puri with special offerings for the sibling deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. These offerings, ranging from handcrafted items and traditional sweets to flowers, garments and ornaments, reflect the pan-Indian appeal of Lord Jagannath and the enduring devotion of His followers.

Rath Yatra, one of the world's largest religious festivals, witnesses the ceremonial procession of the Holy Trinity from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple aboard their majestic chariots—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana. The annual festival draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, who gather in Puri to seek the blessings of the deities.

The 10-foot agarbatti from Mysore is among the many unique offerings made during the festival, highlighting how Lord Jagannath continues to inspire devotion across regions, languages and cultures.