Women pull Devi Subhadra's chariot in Berhampur
Berhampur: Women took centre stage at the Rath Yatra in Gosaninuagaon here as they exclusively pulled the chariot of Devi Subhadra. The unique practice, which mirrors a similar tradition in Mayurbhanj district's Baripada, has been a part of Berhampur's Rath Yatra celebrations since 2000.
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The tradition of women pulling Subhadra's chariot began in Baripada in 1975. The silk city followed suit, offering women the opportunity to actively participate in the festival. Organisers said the number of women participating has grown each year, reflecting their enthusiasm and commitment.
Panchanan Choudhury, manager of the Jagannath Temple Development Committee in Gosaninuagaon, highlighted the significance of the practice.
"The temple committee has reserved Devi Subhadra's chariot for women to ensure they have a chance to participate in Rath Yatra," he said.
The event was inaugurated by Sanghamitra Dalei, mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation, and K Rama Devi, wife of Berhampur MLA K Anil Kumar, who led the procession by pulling Devi Subhadra's chariot. The MLA commenced the pulling of Lord Jagannath's chariot.
The procession, which covered a distance of around 1.5km from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, was conducted under tight security. SP (Berhampur), Saravana Vivek M, said adequate women police officers were deployed to ensure safety and manage the crowds.
Dalei said, "Women do not have to jostle with their male counterparts to get closer to the chariot. The arrangement also protects them from potential harassment."
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