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Puri/Ahmedabad: With a few hours to go for the annual Rath Yatra, devotees from across the world have thronged Puri to witness the festival. Three chariots have been placed at Singhadwara of the Srimandir. Nandighosha, Darpadalana, and Taladhwaja – the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are ready for the annual festival.

The ceremonial Pahandi—the ritual when the deities are carried from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to their—will begin around 9.30am. This will be followed by Madanmohan Bije, Chitalagi, Besha Sesha and the traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual. During the Chhera Pahanra, the Gajapati Maharaja (King) of Puri will ceremonially sweep the chariots with a golden broom.

Know the rituals:

Madanmohan Bije: The representative idol of Lord Krishna (Madanmohan) is brought from the main temple in Puri and placed onto the Nandighosa chariot (Lord Jagannath’s chariot).

Chitalagi: Special golden ornaments or forehead decorations (chita) are put on the deities

Besha Sesha: It is the final embellishment, dressing, and decoration (besha) of the deities upon their chariots

Thereafter, the journey begins as the chariots are pulled to the Gundicha Temple.

Amid all the preparations for the festival, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a special sand sculpture at Puri Beach, featuring Mahaprabhu Jagannath and 100 miniature sand chariots.

Security measures have also been tightened. Battula Gangadhar, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for the Crime Branch told reporters that an Integrated Command and Control Center has been established.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed mangala aarti of Lord Jagannath at Shree Jagannathji Mandir, Ahmedabad. The witnessed pulling of the chariots as part of its 149^th Rath Yatra celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to all devotees. “Wishing everyone well on the auspicious occasion of the Rath Yatra. This is a unique expression of India’s timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations in India and across the world. It reflects humility, collective participation, and selfless service. May Lord Jagannath bestow upon everyone good health, happiness, and prosperity. May He grant us strength for all our endeavors and further strengthen the sense of unity in society. Jai Jagannath,” he wrote.