Rath Yatra begins, thousands pay obeisance
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The spiritual atmosphere was marked by devotion and preparation for Rath Yatra as temple priests performed Netra Daan ceremony, symbolically restoring the divine sight to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra after their 15-day seclusion (Anasara).
The three idols were ceremonially bathed using 51 earthen pots filled with milk, curd, turmeric, rose water and other holy items, accompanied by Vedic chants.
Later, an elaborate aarti was held with 108 lamps and 'bhog' (food) offerings of 'malpua' (a sweet dish). All devotees congregating at the temple expressed a deep emotional connection with the event. Medha Kumari, who comes from Jamshedpur, said, "I come here every year, but today's darshan felt even more special after the long wait during the 'Anasara'.
The energy, the chants and the rituals, it feels like Lord Jagannath is truly among us."
Sudhanshu Nath Shahdeo, the chief priest of the Jagannath Temple, said, "Today's darshan marks the return of the deities after the Anasara. Devotees were waiting eagerly for this moment. With the Netra Daan, the Gods regain their divine sight and are ready for the Rath Yatra tomorrow. We expect even larger crowds for the chariot procession. Every ritual is being followed in strict accordance with tradition."
The Rath Yatra here will mirror Puri's famed chariot procession with Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra seated on a majestic 40-foot chariot made from sal, mango and jamun wood adorned with red and yellow cloth, a brass 'Kalash', 'Sudarshan Chakra' and wooden figures of 'Jay-Vijay', horses and elephants.
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The procession will begin at the temple around mid-afternoon, proceeding along a designated route to the Mausi Bari (aunt's temple) where the deities will dwell for seven days. Devotees will manually pull the chariot, and in keeping with tradition, even dignitaries symbolically sweep the path ahead of the deities, emphasizing humility and unity. Security and logistics have been meticulously arranged with the administration installing barricades, CCTV cameras, watch towers, ambulances, fire tenders, mobile toilets, drinking water stations and 24/7 electricity.
Vehicular traffic will be restricted during the procession. Environmental measures are in place to ban single-use plastics and a cleanliness drive around Dhurwa has been conducted by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC).
A festive fair will accompany the procession at the temple grounds. The fair will include cultural performances, prasad distribution and numerous stalls, and is expected to draw huge crowds.
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