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Puri ‘chandan yatra’ begins today

BHUBANESWAR: The pilgrim’s paradise of Puri is gearing up for the annual ‘chandan yatra’ of Lord Jagannath commencing Thursday.

For the next 21 days, this highly popular festival attracts the largest number of pilgrims after the famous ‘rath yatra’ of Puri.

Like human beings, the Lord too loves to have a boat ride to escape the severe summer heat. Hence, He, represented by Madanmohan and accompanied by goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati leaves His abode at Sri Mandir (for the sacred tank of ‘Narendra Sarobar’ for a night ride every evening. With a coat of sandalwood paste, could there be a better option for the Lord to relax! Houses on both sides of the road leading to the tank from the temple are decorated to celebrate the annual sojourn. Different monasteries also raise decorative arches en route.

Accompanied by priests, temple singers and dancers, the deities board a richly decorated palanquin that is taken to the tank. Deities from different temples join them soon. Amidst a sea of spectators eagerly awaiting the arrival of the gods and goddesses around the brightly lighted tank.

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