Puri- The sacred city of Puri is once again immersed in divine fervor as the Bahuda Yatra—the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Shri Jagannath Temple—commences today. This marks the concluding phase of the grand Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the nation and beyond.
To ensure a safe and seamless experience for the pilgrims, the Odisha Police has deployed over 6,000 personnel, supported by 800 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The state’s Director General of Police, YB Khurania, along with other senior officials, is personally monitoring the arrangements in Puri.
As a part of intensified surveillance, more than 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras have been installed across key points in the city. The authorities have also enforced special traffic measures to regulate the swelling crowd. With favorable weather adding to the enthusiasm, a massive turnout is expected.
According to the schedule released by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the pahandi bije—the ritual procession where the deities are ceremonially carried out from the Gundicha Temple—begins at 12 noon. The highlight of the day, the revered Chhera Pahanra (the symbolic sweeping of the chariots) by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, is slated between 2:30 and 3:30 PM. Shortly after, the chariots will be yoked with horses, and the pulling of the raths is set to start at 4 PM.
On the eve of Bahuda Yatra, the Gundicha Temple witnessed an overwhelming rush of devotees for sandhya darshan (evening viewing) of the Lord and His divine siblings. As the chariots roll back toward Srimandir, faith, tradition, and devotion come alive once again in the heart of Odisha.
