Fri Jun 27 04:47:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri, India, commenced on June 27, 2025. The “Pahandi” ritual, where deities Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath are carried from the Jagannath Temple to their chariots, began an hour later than scheduled but continued for three hours. The deities will be taken to Shree Gundicha Temple. Lakhs of devotees have gathered in Puri to witness the event, with unprecedented security measures in place.
**News Article:**
**Puri Gears Up for Rath Yatra as Deities Embark on Journey**
PURI, INDIA – Lakhs of devotees have descended upon the pilgrim town of Puri today, June 27, 2025, to witness the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The “Pahandi” ritual, a significant part of the festival, saw the deities Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath being carried in a grand procession from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots.
Despite an hour-long delay, the three-hour Pahandi ritual commenced with traditional music and fanfare, as Chakraraj Sudarshan was first carried out, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Finally, Lord Jagannath emerged, eliciting an outpouring of devotion from the assembled crowd. Odissi dancers and folk artists performed along the Grand Road, eager for the Lord’s blessing.
The deities will now embark on their journey to Shree Gundicha Temple, located approximately 2.6 kilometers from the main shrine. Following the Pahandi, the “Chherapahanra” ritual, where the chariots are symbolically swept, is scheduled to take place, followed by the pulling of the chariots.
Authorities have implemented unprecedented security measures for the festival, deploying around 10,000 personnel from various forces. Over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras are monitoring the crowds. “We have made all possible arrangements for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra,” stated DGP Y B Khurania.
First Piper 