Puri: Today, the holy city of Puri in Odisha is once again immersed in an atmosphere of devotion, faith, and enthusiasm. On the occasion of ‘Bahuda Yatra’—one of the most significant events of the world-famous Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra festival—Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra will commence their return journey from the Gundicha Temple (their aunt’s abode) to the Sri Jagannath Temple. Lakhs of devotees are expected to participate in this sacred event. The administration has made extensive arrangements for the convenience and safety of the devotees, and the entire city of Puri has been brought under a security cover.
Devotees have been arriving in Puri in large numbers since early morning. Apart from various states across the country, devotees from abroad are also eager to witness this historic and spiritual procession. As the time for Bahuda Yatra draws near, the crowd of devotees on Puri’s famous ‘Bada Danda’ (Grand Road) continues to swell. The entire route is resonating with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’, devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans), and religious fervor.
Bahuda Yatra is the crucial phase of the Rath Yatra festival wherein Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra return to their original abode, the Srimandir, after a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha Temple. According to religious belief, the Gundicha Temple is considered the home of the Lord’s aunt, where the divine deities rest for a few days each year. Subsequently, through the Bahuda Yatra, they return to be enshrined once again in their main temple.
Lord Jagannath will depart for the Srimandir aboard his magnificent chariot ‘Nandighosa’, Lord Balabhadra on ‘Taladhwaja’, and Devi Subhadra on ‘Darpadalan’. Thousands of devotees eagerly await the privilege of pulling the ropes of these colossal chariots. It is believed that pulling the Lord’s chariot brings happiness, prosperity, and salvation (Moksha) in life.
During the Bahuda Yatra, a journey of approximately three kilometers is undertaken from the Sri Gundicha Temple to the Srimandir. Devotees line up hours in advance along this route to catch a glimpse of the deities. Puri’s Grand Road transforms into a hub of religious celebration, featuring devotional music, Sankirtan, traditional dances, and various cultural programs.
The administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure the Bahuda Yatra concludes peacefully and safely this year. Police, paramilitary forces, the fire department, health services, and disaster management teams have been deployed along the entire route. Special barricading has been set up for crowd management, and the route is being monitored via drone cameras and CCTV. Temporary health camps, ambulances, and medical teams have also been stationed to provide emergency medical assistance.
The Railways and the State Transport Department are operating special trains and additional bus services for the convenience of devotees. Drinking water facilities, rest areas, and information centers have been set up at various locations to ensure that devotees arriving from far and wide do not face any inconvenience.
In accordance with religious traditions, Lord Jagannath’s chariot makes a brief halt at the Mausi Maa Temple before reaching the Srimandir during the Bahuda Yatra. Here, a special offering known as ‘Poda Pitha’—considered the Lord’s favorite delicacy—is traditionally offered to the deity. This centuries-old tradition is regarded as a significant part of the Bahuda Yatra.
The day following the Bahuda Yatra, the ‘Sunabesha’ (Golden Attire) ceremony will take place, during which Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are adorned with gold ornaments. Lakhs of devotees flock to Puri to witness this divine appearance. The annual Rath Yatra festival subsequently concludes with important religious rituals such as ‘Adharapana’ and ‘Niladri Bije’.
Puri’s Rath Yatra stands as a symbol of deep faith and cultural heritage for devotees of Lord Jagannath, not only in Odisha but across India and the world. This festival also conveys a message of social harmony, equality, and universal brotherhood, as millions of people—transcending barriers of caste, religion, and social class—gather together on this occasion to catch a glimpse of the Lord.
Devotees believe that merely seeing Lord Jagannath and His chariot during the Bahuda Yatra brings immense spiritual merit. Driven by this faith, hundreds of thousands of devotees travel to Puri every year to participate in this divine event.
With today’s Bahuda Yatra, Puri is once again imbued with devotion and spiritual energy. The presence of countless devotees, traditional religious rituals, the magnificent sight of the colossal chariots, and the resounding chants of “Jai Jagannath” are making this historic occasion truly unforgettable. All eyes are now fixed on the sacred return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—a unique confluence of faith, trust, and spiritual bliss for the devotees.
