Bhubaneswar: Chariots are ready to roll in the temple city of Bhubaneswar during Rath Yatra on Sunday. Unlike Puri, where chariot pulling will continue for two days, the capital city will witness the grand procession to the Mausi Maa temples on a single day.
“We eagerly wait for Rath Yatra every year when we all come together and celebrate our faith and heritage.“Pulling the chariots is not just a ritual, it is a divine experience that connects us to the deities,” said Bijaya Kentan Nanda, managing trustee of Jagannath Temple, Unit-5.
To ensure smooth festivities, the city administration has meticulously planned elaborate traffic and security arrangements. These measures are crucial to manage the massive influx of devotees. “Adequate police personnel have been deployed, and traffic diversions planned to manage crowds effectively. We urge all participants to cooperate and follow guidelines for a safe and joyous celebration,” said DCP Prateek Singh.
The chariots, splendidly adorned, will be pulled by devotees with ropes with chants and hymns filling the air. “For me, participating in Rath Yatra is a moment of spiritual awakening. The energy, devotion, and sheer joy of being part of this divine journey are indescribable. It’s a tradition that binds us all together,” said Raghunath Mohanty, who performs the ritual of sweeping on the chariot at Jagannath temple, Jagamara.
The nine-day journey is filled with immense spiritual significance. Devotees will pull chariots and seek blessings for their prosperity and well-being. At several Jagannath temples in the city only women devotees pull the chariot of goddess Subhadra, which is a major attraction.
“The energy, devotion, and sheer joy of being part of this divine journey are indescribable. It’s a tradition that binds us all together,” said Sumati Sahu, a 58-year-old devotee, who is planning to pull the chariot at Shrivani Srikhetra.

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