The stage is set and three wooden chariots of the deities, all draped in multicoloured cloth, have been kept ready in front of the 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple, as part of the annual rath yatra of Lord Jagannath to be held on Sunday.
Thousands of devotees started trickling in since Saturday noon, while the Shree Jagannath Temple saw a large crowd for the Naba Jauban Darshan (first sight) of the Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra, the day before the annual rath yatra.
In accordance with traditional rituals, three deities were seen for the first time after the gap of a fortnight during which they remain secluded in the anasara ghaa (retiring room) of the temple. The darshan was delayed by four hours as rituals took time.
186 special trains
The East Coast Railway had announced 186 special trains for devotees from different parts of the country. While 34 trains would run to Puri for the Rath Yatra on Sunday, rest of the trains would be operating between June 26 and July 3. Special booking counters were set up and security was tightened in different station.
Sunday’s Rath Yatra might be affected as India Meteorological Department, Odisha has forecast heavy rain over coastal districts.
The State police imposed traffic restrictions from Saturday evening. Massive parking spots have been created for vehicles. Buses could ply up to Malatipatapur Bus Terminal on the outskirt of Puri. Shuttle passenger vehicles have been arranged for devotees to enter the town.
The Puri district administration is expecting a gathering of nearly seven lakh devotees.
