Puri, May 10: Puri, the city of pilgrims, is bustling with excitement as thousands of devotees gather to witness the commencement of the 21-day Chandan Yatra festival today, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
The festival kicks off with the construction of three grand chariots for the upcoming car festival, which will take place at the 'Rath Khala' on the Grand Road near the Shree Jagannath Temple. Meanwhile, the sacred Narendra pond will host the Chandan Yatra festivities.
According to sources, the servitors are set to bring the Agyan Mala, signifying divine permission, for the three logs of wood needed for the chariots' construction. Once obtained, rituals and wood-cutting ceremonies will commence. The much-awaited Rath Yatra is scheduled for July 7 this year.
During the festival, the representative idols of the deities, including Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, along with other divine figures, will be placed in lavishly decorated palanquins and taken in a grand procession to Narendra tank. This vibrant celebration spans over 21 days.
In preparation for the festival, Vishwakarma servitors have meticulously crafted two magnificent swan-shaped boats named Nanda and Bhadra.
To ensure the smooth conduct of rituals and the safety of devotees, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri district administration, and local police have implemented elaborate security measures. With a large influx of devotees expected from both within and outside Odisha, maintaining peace and order is paramount.
Stringent security arrangements have been put in place, with a robust police presence to facilitate orderly darshan for devotees and uphold law and order throughout the festivities.
