The sacred coastal city of Puri in Odisha is all set to witness the world-famous Bahuda Yatra, the ceremonial return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan from the Shree Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple today.

The Bahuda Yatra marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festivities, signifying the divine return of the sibling deities to their abode after their week-long stay at the Shree Gundicha Temple.

Millions of devotees from across the country and abroad have gathered along the Grand Road to participate in the revered festival. The Odisha Government has put in place elaborate security, traffic regulation and crowd management arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

The deities will be ceremonially escorted in the traditional Pahandi procession before being seated on their chariots for the return journey.

On the way, Lord Jagannath’s chariot will make the customary halt at the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deity will be offered the traditional Poda Pitha, a baked delicacy made from rice, lentils and jaggery, as part of an age-old ritual.

The Bahuda Yatra reflects Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and conveys the timeless message of devotion, inclusiveness and social harmony.