BHUBANESWAR: Thousands of devotees thronged Mausi Maa temples across the city on Monday as the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra began their return journey on Bahuda Yatra.
“Hundreds of devotees took part in Bahuda Yatra this year too. Since the chariots cover a significant distance on the city roads and on NH-16, we have made extensive arrangements to accommodate the crowd.The temple and chariots have been beautifully decorated for Bahuda Yatra,” said Radhakanta Das, spokesperson of Iskcon Temple in Nayapalli.
Magnificently decorated chariots of the deities were pulled by thousands of devotees accompanied by the chanting of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and beating of drums and blowing of conches.
“This is a divine opportunity to get a glimpse of the sibling deities and pull their chariots. Energy and devotion of the crowd was overwhelming. I come here every year, and it fills my heart with immense peace and joy,” said Reena Padhy of Nayapalli.
At Shrivani Kshetra, over 30,000 devotees gathered to witness the Bahuda Yatra and sought blessings by pulling the decorated chariots — Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra. A unique aspect of Rath Yatra at Shrivani Kshetra is that women pull the chariot of Devi Subhadra.
“Various cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, add to the festive spirit. With a large number of youngsters participating in the rituals, it has helped in keeping alive a vibrant cultural practice,” said Gopal Patnaik, secretary of Sailashree Vihar Jagannath Temple.

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