Rath Yatra in Temple City: Devotees throng temples to pull chariots

Bhubaneswar, June 1:, Bhubaneswar, known as the temple city of Odisha, wore a festive look on Friday as at least 54 organizations observed the Rath Yatra across the city. Thousands of devotees became a part of the festivals near the Jagannath temples and pulled the chariots in the afternoon, the occasion which came up after over two years due to the pandemic situation. The Khandagiri- Jagamara road became jampacked when devotees thronged to witness the Rath Yatra which began from the Dharma Vihar temple. Similarly, at Iskcon temple, where the festival is celebrated in a grand way every year, the ‘Pahandi Bije’  ritual was started at around 1 pm and the ‘Chherapahanra’ was performed at around 3.30 pm. The chariot was pulled along at over 4 PM. Apart from it, the ancient Jagannath temple at Patia celebrated the Rath Yatra today with thousands of devotees participating in the rituals according to the schedule finalized by the Jagannath temple managing committee. As around 1 lakh of people congregated throughout the city, the Commissionerate of police had made elaborate arrangements for a smooth Rath Yatra. The use of face masks was made mandatory for the devotees during the Yatra in view of the surge in Covid cases in the State. BMC officials had raised awareness among the denizens to follow Covid safety norms and wear masks to check transmission during the exposure due to the gathering. Earlier on Thursday, the management officials of different temples and the concerned Civic bodies had assured smooth conduct of the festival, by ensuring drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and tree-trimming activities ahead of the festival. Besides, dangling electric wires were removed from the roads for the smooth movement of chariots and public safety.  Rath Yatra was also organized at VSS Nagar, Old Town, Sahid Nagar, Unit-VIII, RCM and Utkal University campus, Dumduma, Bhimatangi, and Ghatikia area.