The pulling of the three majestic chariots resumed on Friday morning along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri after the procession was halted the previous evening due to inadequate lighting.
The chariot pulling began at around 9:30 AM, with Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja leading the procession. Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana (Devadalana) followed in the middle, while Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha rolled behind, echoing through the Grand Road with its distinctive rumble.
On Thursday, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha had stopped near the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple. Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja had halted near the Fire Station, while Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana remained stationed near Marichi Kote Chhak after the day’s procession was suspended.
Despite the halt, thousands of devotees stayed on the Grand Road throughout the night, offering prayers and receiving darshan of the deities seated on their chariots. All scheduled morning rituals and ceremonial practices were completed before the chariots resumed their journey towards Sharadhabali, near the Gundicha Temple.
The atmosphere on the Grand Road turned deeply devotional as chants of “Jai Jagannath” echoed through the air. The sounds of bells, conches, cymbals, devotional songs, and traditional ululation filled the sacred avenue as devotees enthusiastically pulled the chariots with the holy ropes.
For many pilgrims, participating in the second phase of the Gundicha Yatra was an emotional and spiritual experience. Some were seen shedding tears of devotion, while others offered full prostrations before the Lord, expressing their faith and gratitude.
Devotees continued to pull the chariots towards the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will remain on the chariots to bless devotees from Sharadhabali later in the day. The ceremonial Adapa Bije, during which the deities enter the Gundicha Temple, is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee confirmed the schedule and stated that the previous day’s chariot pulling had been stopped following the recommendation of the Bhoi Sardar because of poor visibility after nightfall.
Despite adverse weather conditions during this year’s Rath Yatra, an estimated 10 to 12 lakh devotees gathered in Puri, reflecting the immense religious significance and enduring appeal of the annual festival.