Bhubaneswar, AP 5: The Rukuna Rath Yatra, the festival in honor of Lord Lingaraj, is set to begin today here. This festival commences the heavenly procession, popularly known as the Papa Binashakari Yatra.
The event will take place in the renowned Lingaraj Temple, where Lord Lingaraj is worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. A grand event of the long procession would carry the deity from the Lingaraj temple to the Mausima temple.
One of the special beliefs about the Rukuna Rath Yatra is that Lord Brahma himself, on this auspicious day, is considered to be the charioteer for Lord Lingaraj. This procession is marked by a glorious 35-feet tall chariot with four wheels and carries the deity in excellent pomp and gaity.
Traffic advisory has been issued by the commissionerate police to enhance convenience and prioritize public safety during the festival
The Rukuna Rath Yatra will be celebrated on 5 and 6 April while the return of the Rath will be observed on 9 and 10 April, 2025.
Vehicles will be prohibited from entering Rath Road starting from Mausimaa Chowk. They will be diverted either to Museum Chowk or to Vivekananda Marg.
Additionally, no vehicles will be allowed on Rath Road from several lanes, including Barik Sahi Lane, Maharana Sahi Lane, Gosagareswar Chhak, Sital Sasthi Lane, Tinimundia Chhak, Harchandi Lane, Muna Medical Lane, and Punama Gate Lane.
Vehicles coming from Rath Khala will be redirected towards Bata Mahadev Temple.
Violations of the traffic regulations will be treated as an offense under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. Offenders may face fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, with the possibility of the offense being compoundable, allowing for settlement by an officer.
