Lord Jagannath’s Return Journey: Bahuda Yatra in Puri

In Puri, Odisha, the Bahuda Rath Yatra, also known as the Return Car Festival, marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. This event signifies the end of their sojourn.

Chants and Ceremonial Procession

With chants of ‘Hari Bol’ and ‘Jay Jagannath’, the three holy deities were brought by their servitors from the Gundicha temple and placed on their respective chariots for the ceremonial return procession to Jagannath Temple.

Prayers by BJP MP Sambit Patra

On this occasion, BJP MP Sambit Patra offered prayers at the Lord Jagannath temple. He expressed pride for the people of Odisha and followers of Sanatan Dharma, highlighting the significance of the Bahuda Yatra.

Patra said, “Today is a proud moment for people of Odisha, India and all those who believe in Sanatan Dharma. Today is the day of Bahuda Yatra, which signifies that Lord Jagannath who had come to her aunt’s place, Gundicha Mandir is going back to his place at Shri Mandir. He will be on his way again.”

Devotees and Security Arrangements

Early in the morning, rituals commenced for the Bahuda Rath Yatra. The deities returned to Sri Mandir from Sri Gundicha temple in three different chariots pulled by devotees. A large number of devotees gathered in Puri to witness and take part in the ceremonial procession.

Security was heightened in Puri ahead of the festivities. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra stated, “Security arrangements have also been made for Bahuda Yatra… Today after 9 days, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra will return to their main temple. Adequate security arrangements have been made. Crowd control, dragging of chariot…in addition to that traffic and parking arrangements have been made…we have two integrated control rooms…”