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.

The stage is set for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath as the three majestic chariots are being brought from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple on the eve of the annual festival. Following the ceremonial Agyanmala Bije, the chariots will take their final position before the grand procession begins on Thursday.

The arrival of the chariots at the temple entrance marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the sacred Gundicha Yatra, one of the largest religious festivals in the world. Devotees from across India and abroad have already gathered along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), eagerly awaiting the annual journey of the sibling deities.

The Grand Road has been cleaned and decorated, while chants of “Jai Jagannath” and “Haribol” echo throughout the holy town of Puri. Thousands of devotees have occupied vantage points along the route, spending the night in anticipation of witnessing Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra emerge from the temple and ascend their magnificent chariots.

As per tradition, the Agyanmala from the deities is first brought to the Rath Khala, symbolising divine approval for the movement of the chariots. After the ritual, Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, is brought first to the Singhadwara, followed by Darpadalana (Debadalana), the chariot of Goddess Subhadra, and Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has confirmed that all ritual schedules for Rath Yatra have been finalised with the approval of the Chhatisa Nijog, the Niti Sub-Committee, and the Temple Managing Committee. Authorities have also completed elaborate security, crowd management and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.

According to the approved ritual schedule, Mangala Alati will be held at 6:00 am, Ratha Pratistha at 9:00 am, and the sacred Pahandi Bije will begin at 9:30 am. The Chhera Pahanra ritual, during which the Gajapati Maharaja ceremonially sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, will take place between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

The ceremonial fixing of the Charamala, along with the installation of the horses and charioteers, is scheduled between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The much-awaited pulling of the three chariots will commence at 4:00 pm, marking the beginning of the nine-day journey of the deities to the Gundicha Temple.

With the chariots now ready, the ritual schedule finalised and the holy city immersed in devotional fervour, Puri awaits the commencement of the grand Rath Yatra, an event that draws millions of devotees and visitors from around the world.