Odisha: Annual Lord Jagannath rath yatra celebration begins; tight security in place

BHUBANESWAR: Lord Jagannath's annual rath yatra has started from the majestic Emami Jagannath temple, in Odisha today amid tight security.

The festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh, the third month, according to the traditional Oriya calendar.

Three new splendid chariots have been created for the yatra of the Gods -- Lord Jagannath and his siblings -- from the 78-feet high magnificent shrine, constructed on sprawling three acres of land on the premises of Emami Paper Mills, a release said.

The caravan of Lord Jagannath is scheduled to stop midway for a meal of sweet pancakes, believed to be Jagannath's favorite dish.

Apart from the three holy chariots, the procession has around 12 trucks accompanying them.

The colourful chariots of 45-feet high idols of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees from India and abroad, moved through the major city roads amid the joyous chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Hare Krishna'.

The carpenters, having rights for this job by heredity, follow century-old styles, written in the holy Hindu text, for building and decorating the chariots.

One of the significance of this Yatra is that people from all religions and faiths can see the deities and participate in the procession as they are not allowed to enter the temple on other days, the release said.

The state government is expecting a congregation of about 10 lakh devotees during the yatra.