Puri, June 27: The sacred town of Puri echoed with chants of “Jai Jagannath!” as the grand Rath Yatra 2025 commenced today with the ceremonial pulling of the majestic chariots. Lakhs of devotees from across India and around the globe have thronged the holy city to witness this centuries-old spiritual spectacle.
Devotees enthusiastically pulled the Taladhwaja chariot, marking the beginning of the divine journey of the Holy Trinity from the Shree Jagannath Temple. Following Lord Balabhadra, the Pahandi Bije ritual for Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will be carried out in a highly devotional atmosphere.
A key highlight of the day was the revered ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, performed by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Divyasingha Deb. Upholding a cherished tradition, the ceremonial king arrived in regal grace, carried in a silver-plated palanquin and dressed in pristine white attire.
In a powerful display of humility and devotion, the Maharaja ascended each of the three chariots—of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—and swept their floors using a golden-handled broom. As Vedic hymns and Sanskrit slokas echoed in the air, the chariots were sprinkled with flower petals and fragrant water. The Maharaja also offered aarti and performed the traditional ‘Chamer Seva’ (fanning the deities), signifying the service of the king to the Lord.
This sacred ritual marks the symbolic surrender of worldly power before divine authority, setting the spiritual tone for the grand procession that follows. With the chariots now in motion, the divine journey of the deities to the Gundicha Temple has officially begun, filling the atmosphere with devotion, celebration, and divine grace.
