Bahuda Jatra of Lord Jagannath underway in Puri amid Covid restrictions
2 min read By Express News Service
PURI: The Bahuda Jatra (return journey) of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra to Srimandir in Puri started on Tuesday after the nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple, their Janma bedi (birthplace).
Although the absence of devotees has taken the sheen away from the competition, the return journey of the almighty is being held amid restrictions and Covid protocol for the second consecutive 12 months.
The competition schedule has been superior by about 4 hours resulting from cooperation from the servitors and elaborate preparations by the temple administration. While as per programme launched by the temple administration Pahandi was to start at 12 midday it started at 7.40 am.
The Bahuda Jatra rituals started early on Monday night time. While Mangal arati was carried out at 4 am adopted by Mailum, Tadap lagi, Abakash, Surya Puja, Dwarpal puja, Rosa homa, after which Gopal bhog and Khichdi bhog was supplied.
Daita servitors fastened Kusum and Chhena patta (physique armours) to the deities to allow deities to bear the stress of Pahandi.
After Mangalarpan, big floral Tiaras (head gears) had been fastened and Daita servitors conduct the deities in Dhadi pahandi (ceremonial procession) headed by temple musicians enjoying cymbals, mrudang, conch, clarinet, and Ghantas.
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Lord Balabhadra led the Pahandi adopted by Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath to their respective chariots. Pahandi was over by 10.20 am. Three units of dressers embellished the deities with Tulsi and sorts of fragrant flowers.
At 11 am, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb driving Mehena (embellished palanquin) arrived close to the chariots and carried out Chherapahanra (ceremonial sweeping across the deities on three chariots) with a brush.
Thereafter the servitors fastened picket horses to the chariots, positioned sarathi (Charioteer) on every rath, set brakes and tied ropes to the chariots earlier than pulling started. Lord Balabhadra on his Taladhwaj Rath began rolling first after which Goddess Subhadra in her Darpadalan Rath. Finally, got here Lord Jagannath driving his Nandighosh Rath.
As per the SOP, servitors with RT-PCR take a look at unfavorable experiences participated and every chariot was pulled by round 500 servitors.
The administration, anticipating a brilliant sunny day, has deployed scores of fireside providers personnel with their machines to spray water on barefoot servitors pulling the chariots alongside the three-km lengthy Grand Road.
The competition is being organised amid tight safety in adherence to Covid norms. Curfew has been imposed on the Grand Road since Monday night time. CCTV and drone cameras have been retaining a detailed eye on the occasion. The three chariots are anticipated to succeed in Lions Gate earlier than the Sunsets. On Wednesday, the well-known Suna Besha of deities can be noticed on the three chariots.
