Sambalpur: Grand Rath Yatra Celebrated in Sambalpur with Enthusiasm; Heavy Rain Fails to Dampen Devotees’ Spirits

Sambalpur: Rath Yatra was celebrated joyfully and enthusiastically at all of the city’s Jagannath Temples. The deities were taken from the main temple to the Mausi Ma temple, where they listened to the devotees’ sorrows. The union of devotees and the deity took place on Raj Rasta (Royal Road). Many devotees were overcome with emotion as they witnessed the grand procession. Despite the scorching heat and intense sun, people were active throughout the day. Evening showers provided relief by cooling the air. Despite the heavy rain, the devotees continued to pull the chariot, soaking wet.

Brahmapura Ratha Jatra

The oldest procession began at Brahmapura, with the Pahandi ceremony beginning at 3:30 pm. At 5:30 p.m., Amarnath Supakar began ceremonial sweeping (Chhera Pahanra). Following the Maha Arati and Bhog offering, the children took part in the chariot-touching ritual. The Brahmapura chariot pulling began at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 8 p.m. at the Municipal Chowk. Following Brahmapura, other neighborhood chariots were pulled until nightfall. Brahmapura chariot pulling will resume on Monday evening, at 5:30 p.m.

Ratha Jatra of Various Other Pada’s

According to tradition, chariots from various areas, including Jharuapada’s Brahmapura Mahaprabhu, Mohantipadapada’s Dadhibamana, Hotapada’s Jagannath, Hatpada’s Satyabadi, Daleipada’s Madanamohana, Liakhai, Nandapada’s Jangyabaraha, and Gurupada’s Timinigudi, were pulled. In addition, chariot pulling occurred in Mudipada and Kulpada.

Dhanupali & Sakhipada Ratha Jatra

The Rath Yatra at Dhunupali Gopalji Temple and Sakhipada Radhamadan Gopal Temple drew large crowds. Following the Pahandi ceremony at Sakhipada Radhamadan Gopal Temple, the deities were transported to Sarala Chowk and then to the Gundicha Temple near their original temple. The Govindtola chariot pulling took place on Sunday, following the Pahandi ceremony. Despite the heavy rain, both men and women continued to pull the chariot, which arrived at the Mausi Ma temple in Govindtola by 9 p.m.

The trustees, including Chairman Bideshi Sanabada, Anil Mishra, Tapan Guru, Bikram Guru, and Prafulla Guru, attended Raju Mahapatra’s Chhera Pahanra this year. Rath Yatra celebrations were also held in Khetrajpur and Budharaja, among other places.

Traditional rituals were observed in Bargaon, Maneswar Block. Following the Chhera Pahanra by Trust Chairman Anup Panigrahi and Radheshyam Behera, the deities were placed on the chariots. The Bargarh procession featured two chariots: one with Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, and the other with Dadhivaman and Sudarshan. Former MLA Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi, Subas Panigrahi, Dr. Tanmay Padhi, and trust officials attended the event.

Three Small Chariots at Subhashree Vihar:

Injury from Chariot Pulling: