Enthusiasm marked the return rath yatra popularly known among Odias as bahuda yatra on Monday.
Large number of devotees took part in the celebrations ending nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra at their aunt’s place called Gundicha Ghar. Elaborate police bandobust was made for the return yatra.
Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj conducted the return yatra from Gundicha Ghar near Shanti Ashram to the main temple complex on Dasapalla Hills. The deities atop the beautifully decorated chariot were taken in a colourful procession by the devotees amidst sounds of cymbal, sankeertan and chanting of Haribol.
The chariot traversed through Lawson’s Bay Colony, VUDA Park area, China Waltair and Siripuram. The deities entered the sanctum sanctorum in a ceremonial way. Annaprasad was served to about 3,000 devotees.
Samaj president and former Customs Commissioner S.C Choudhury and former president and Orissa Stevedores Ltd General Manager J.K. Nayak were present.
RINL Chairman-cum-Managing Director P. Madhusudan performed “Chhera panhara”, the sweeping of the chariot with a golden broom to convey traditionally that before Almighty all are equal. He and others offered prayers.
