Puri Rath Yatra Resumes After Overnight Halt
The annual Rath Yatra procession in Puri resumed Saturday morning after an unexpected overnight halt. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were stopped on the Grand Road Friday evening after one of the chariots got stuck while negotiating a turn. Amidst chanting and renewed enthusiasm, thousands of devotees, who had stayed in the holy town overnight, resumed pulling the chariots towards the Gundicha temple. The festival continues to draw massive crowds under heavy security.
Unpacked:
The Rath Yatra in Puri is one of Hinduism’s oldest festivals, dating back over 800 years. It centers on Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and symbolizes inclusion and divine celebration. The processional journey of the deities to the Gundicha Temple reflects ancient traditions described in Puranic texts and is a major act of devotion for millions of participants.
During Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s house. This journey commemorates a mythological visit and signifies familial bonds, hospitality, and the deities’ accessibility to all devotees, even those typically barred from entering the main temple.
Given the enormous crowds—often millions—authorities deploy thousands of police officers, surveillance cameras, and barricades. Medical teams and emergency services are also stationed throughout Puri. Strict security checks, traffic diversions, and crowd management protocols are implemented to ensure safety and order during the festival.
If a chariot gets stuck or the procession is delayed, the festival’s rituals are temporarily paused. Devotees often stay overnight, and the procession resumes once the issue is resolved. The authorities and temple servitors coordinate efforts to safely continue the journey, ensuring the religious traditions and safety of participants are maintained.