By Sarat Jaisingh in Puri, July 4, 2019: The Rath Yatra festival in Odisha began on Thursday with lakhs of devotees pulling three majestic chariots, Nandighosa (Lord Jagannath), Taladwaja (Lord Balabhadra) and Darpadalan (Goddess Subhadra), on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) on Thursday

At least five lakh devotees flocking to this holy town converged on this sea town to offer their prayers to the three holy deities, who travel from their home — the 12th century Jagannath temple to the Shree Gundicha temple, home of their aunt.

The rituals related to the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra started early in the morning. Adorned with tahias (giant floral crowns), the three deities along with Lord Sudarsan were brought out of the sanctum sanctorum amid beats of cymbals, drums and gongs in a procession called Pahandia to their respective chariots parked in front of the temple.

After the deities were placed on their respective chariots, Puri Gajapati Divyasingh Dev performed Chhera Panhara (sweeping) on the chariots. Puri Gajapati conducted the ritual of sweeping the chariots with a golden broom, a symbolic rite showing that all are equal before the Lord.

The Odisha police and the state government have made extensive arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival. Anticipating a congregation of around 10 lakh devotees on the Rath Yatra day, 10,000 strong force had been deployed on the ground, while personnel of Indian Navy and Coast Guard patrolled in the sea, a senior official said. CCTV cameras have been installed on the grand road for the security of devotees.

The pulling of chariots began more than one hour before the scheduled time and the chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess of Subhadra reached the Gudicha temple with the chariot of Lord Jagannath not far behind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday extended greeting to the people.

“Best wishes to everyone on the special occasion of the Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings for the good health, happiness, and prosperity of everyone. Jai Jagannath,” PM Modi tweeted.

The deities return to Shree Mandir only after completion of the nine-day Yatra on the same chariots called ‘Bahuda Yatra’ (return car festival).