Puri: Amid Jai Jagannath chants, sounds of gongs, conches and cymbals that reverberated the sky at Singhadwar, the ceremonial Pahandi ritual of Chaturdhamurti (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra along with Shree Sudarshan) commenced at around 9 am here with Lord Sudarshan escorted to Darpadalan chariot.
Later, Lord Balabhadra was taken to his Taladhwaja chariot in Dhadi Pahandi. Goddess Subhadra, the sister of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, was brought to Darpadalan chariot in Pahandi by servitors, followed by Lord Jagannath, the Lord of Universe moved towards Nandighosa chariot in a Dhadi Pahandi amid sounds of traditional musical instrument gongs played by Ghantua Sevayats.
Lakhs of devotees were thrown to pilgrim town Puri to witness the annual Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Tuesday.
The three majestic chariots now stand tall in front of the Singha Dwar of the temple facing East towards Gundicha temple. All the chariots are now ready to roll and will be pulled by lakhs of devotees this afternoon following Chherapahanra by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb.
The Taladhwaja Rath for Lord Balabhadra, the Darpadalan Rath for Goddess Subhadra and the Nandighosa Rath for Lord Jagannath each have their own colours, height, diameter, wooden horses, guardian deities and even charioteers.
As per schedule, Chherapahanra of the chariots by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb would be performed by 3.30 PM. After fixing wooden horses to the chariots, the pulling is scheduled to start in the afternoon from 4 PM.
Lord Balabhadra would lead the chariot procession riding Taladhwaja. It will be followed by Devi Subhadra in Darpadalana. Lord Jagannath would go riding Nandighosa in the end.
The state government has made all arrangements keeping heat wave condition in view. Water sprinkling is being done by the fire service personnel. Sufficient drinking water facilities including distribution of water bottles have been made for the devotees, officials said.
Tight security arrangements have been made in and around Puri town for the festival. The pilgrim town has been divided into 14 zones and 29 sectors.
About 180 platoons of police personnel have been deployed in and around Puri town.
For the first time a Coast Guard helicopter has been deployed to patrol the beach. Interceptor boats stationed at Paradip, ready for any contingency, till July 2.
