Bahuda Yatra: The Trinity returns to their abode

Completing the Pahandi rituals, the sibling deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, are returning to their abode on 3 July.

Thousands of devotees, mostly from the adjoining villages, on 3 July thronged the coastal city of Balasore to witness Bahuda Rath Yatra that marks the ceremonial procession of return of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from Gundicha Ghar to Shree Shree Jagannath temple, Emami Nagar after a nine-day sojourn.

They congregated in the holy coastal town, since early morning, to witness grand return journey of God to its abode to seek blessings. Around 1,000 devotees danced raising their hands amid chanting of 'haribol' and vedic hymns as the Bahuda Rath was pulled on the streets to its original resting place after nine days sojourn.

Founders of the Emami Temple and their family members performed 'Chhera Pahanra' or sweeping on the chariots with a golden broom.

Whilst their way back home, the holy chariot stopped for a while, where they were offered Odisha's popular dish 'poda pitha,' made of rice, jaggery, coconuts and lentils.

"The temple administration had taken care for timely observance of all rituals of the deities during the Bahuda Yatra. It is believed that whoever participates in the bahuda yatra, offers aarti and pulls the rath will gain unlimited devotion and all his sins will be wiped out," said Sushil Goenka, Trustee of the Temple

This is the second year that the magnificent Emami Jagannath Mandir is organising the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

"Bahuda Rath Yatra is one of the most sought-after and popular religious events in Odisha. The deities would enter into the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple after offering of Rasagola Bhog called Niladri Bije, marking the end of the festival. The next day, the Lord will be ready for darshan to people in the temple and it is known as 'Suna Besha'," said Sushil Goenka.

-ANI