Amidst beating of cymbals, blowing of conch shells and chanting of 'Hari Bol', Lord Jagannath and his celestial siblings' annual Ratha Jatra began in Odisha's Puri on Monday with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols as the entire coastal town was placed under curfew. This was for the second consecutive year and the second time in the history of the 12th-century shrine that the annual mega-festival, considered one of the biggest religious events in the country, was held sans devotees. The entire 3-km stretch of the Grand Road in front of the temple wore a deserted look as only some selected priests and police personnel were allowed to participate in the festival. Let us take a look at some of the images from Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra: -
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conduct laser scanning of parts of Puris famed Shree Jagannath Temples structure during the 9-day Ratha Jatra festival when the deities will travel out of the temple. (PTI Photo)
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Gatherings on streets or rooftops have been prohibited. The curfew has been imposed in the interest of public health. (PTI Photo)
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The elaborate rituals started from Sunday night and the sibling deities, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Sudarshan, were carried to their respective chariots in a step-by-step procession called 'Pahandi'. (PTI Photo)
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A number of traditional rituals like 'Mangla Arati', 'Mailam' and 'Surya Puja' were held before the presiding deities set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. (PTI Photo)
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Descending from the 'Ratna Sinhasana', the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as 'Baisi Pahacha' through the Lion's Gate in an elaborate ritual. (PTI Photo)
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The three wooden chariots draped in layers of red, black, green and yellow cloth were parked in front of the Lion's Gate. (PTI Photo)
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All entry points to Puri town have been sealed and over 65 platoons of police, each having 30 personnel, were deployed and CCTVs installed at various locations as part of the security arrangement for the nine-day festival. (PTI Photo)
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