Divine, Majestic and Amazing… See Lord Jagannath's Bahuda Yatra in Pictures.
A grand event was organized for Jagannath's annual Bahuda Yatra in Odisha. It is also known as Return Car Festival. In this event, the journey of Goddess Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra takes place from Kundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. Bahuda Yatra is the culmination of the nine-day Ratha Yatra festival. The journey begins with the journey of the deities from the Jagannath temple to the Kundicha temple. A large number of devotees thronged Puri to witness this miraculous spectacle. As the sun rose in Puri, the atmosphere was filled with devotion and fervor. As the sun rose in Puri, the atmosphere was filled with devotion and fervor. The deities were duly installed in their chariots. Travel photography. Chariots decorated with colorful decorations and intricate designs in the divine procession were a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. To chanting of mantras and to the sound of traditional instruments, the deities began their homeward journey. Devotees pull the chariots with full devotion, believing that participating in this holy activity will bring divine blessings and deliverance from sins. Travel photography. Cleaning of Chariots: Many important rituals are performed in Bahuta Yatra. The deities from the sanctum sanctorum of the Kundicha temple were brought to chariots in the Pahandi BJ ceremony. After that the Chera Bahada ceremony took place. In this, the Gajapati king from Puri cleaned the chariots with a golden broom. It is a symbol of the king's humility before Jagannath, the lord of the universe. The chariots made a traditional halt at the Mausima temple, where Odisha's traditional sweets were offered to the deities. This ritual symbolizes the maternal love of Mausima (Aunt) towards her nephews and nieces. Travel photography. A Celebration of Unity The Bahuda Yatra is not only a religious event but also a celebration of social harmony and unity. People from many backgrounds gather to participate in the festival that reflects the inclusive spirit of Jagannath. He is worshiped as the lord of the universe. Locals and tourists stop on Grand Road to offer prayers and flowers to the deities. Travel photography. Cultural Program: This lively cultural program is organized to further enhance the spiritual atmosphere. It showcases the rich heritage of Odisha. Traditional dance performances, folk music and recitation of ancient scriptures enthralled the audience. It offers a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region. Travel photography. As the chariot reached the lion gate of the Jagannath temple, symbolizing the harmony between the divine couple, contentment and joy spread among the devotees. The deities will now rest on their chariots until the Nilatri PJ ritual is performed, marking their final return to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Nilatri PJ is another important ritual in which Lord Jagannath, in a humorous gesture, receives rasgulla as an offering from his consort Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing reconciliation between the divine couple. Health and Safety Arrangements In view of the large number of devotees, strict security arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the festival. A large number of police and volunteers were deployed to control the crowd and maintain order. Medical teams were also on hand to assist in emergencies. The Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath is an intense expression of piety and devotion, attracting millions of people to the holy city of Puri every year. It is a festival that transcends religious boundaries and unites people in shared reverence for the divine.