In Odisha, the sacred city of Puri is resonating with spiritual fervour as the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is being celebrated today amid elaborate rituals and extensive security arrangements. Despite incessant rain since morning, lakhs of devotees have remained undeterred, gathering along the Bada Danda to witness the sacred rituals.

The ceremonial Chhera Pahanra by Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb will precede the pulling of the three chariots to the Shree Gundicha Temple, revered as the maternal aunt’s abode of the sibling deities.

Elaborate security and crowd management arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.