Bhubaneswar, Ap 5: With a few hours left for the much-awaited Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar, several key rituals and events are scheduled to take place throughout the day.
The rituals for the festival will kick start at around 12:00 pm- 12:30 pm, followed by the 'Pahandi' rituals, where the deities are taken in a procession and placed onto their decorated chariot in between 12:30 pm -1:30 pm. The worship of the deities will then take place atop the chariot from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm.
Meanwhile, the chariot pulling will begin at 3:30 pm. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate as the chariot makes its way toward the Rameshwar Temple, with the journey expected to conclude by 7:30 pm. Additional sacred rituals will follow at the temple.
On the other hand, Commissionerate Police have implemented strict security measures. Sixteen platoons of police, along with officers in civilian clothes, will be on duty. The security team will also include two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), three Additional DCPs, five Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), twelve inspectors, and 65 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors. The authorities are taking every step to ensure a safe and smooth event for all visitors.
