Thousands of devotees gathered at Patali Srikhetra in Odisha’s Subarnapur district on Thursday to celebrate the annual Shri Gundicha Rath Yatra. Heavy rainfall did not stop pilgrims from taking part in the grand religious event.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were brought out from the shrine on Trikuta Hill in the traditional Dhadi Pahandi procession. They were then placed on their beautifully decorated chariots for the annual journey.
The sacred Chera Pahanra ritual was performed by the village’s Gadatya Chamara Amata in the presence of local dignitaries. Soon after, the chariot-pulling ceremony began. Women devotees led the pulling of Devi Subhadra’s chariot, while the three chariots were moved up to the main junction of the shrine. The remaining rituals, including Adapa Pahandi, are scheduled for Friday.
The district administration made extensive arrangements for the festival. Officials, police personnel, volunteers, health workers and fire service teams ensured the smooth and safe conduct of the event.
Patali Srikhetra is one of Odisha’s most significant religious sites. According to the Madalapanji, the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were hidden in the Trikuta region for 144 years before being re-established at the Jagannath Temple in Puri by Somavamsi king Jajati Keshari.