Puri, July 4 (UNI) Following the tragic stampede near the Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives on the second day of the annual Rath Yatra, the Puri administration is taking precautionary steps to ensure the smooth and incident-free conduct of the Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival) on July 5.
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, along with the District Magistrate, Chief Administrator, and other senior officials, held discussions with the Daita servitors and other concerned temple priests at Gundicha Temple.
The meeting aimed to ensure the timely completion of all rituals and make the Bahuda Yatra a safe and seamless event.
The Law Minister also visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre and informed the media that the newly introduced AI-powered digital surveillance system is functioning effectively in managing the crowd.
He further stated that the ongoing repair and conservation work of both the Ratna Bhandaras (treasure chambers) is nearing completion.
Regarding the unfortunate stampede, the minister clarified that it was caused by human error and expressed hope that, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the remaining rituals would proceed smoothly.
Earlier, after the observance of the Herapanchami ritual, the three chariots were carefully manoeuvred by police personnel and devotees from the entry gate of the Gundicha Temple.
They were turned southward and parked on Saradhabali in front of Nakachana Dwar, facing the main temple — a ritual movement known as Dakshina Moda.
The Sandhya Darshan (evening viewing) of the deities inside the Gundicha Temple concluded at 6 PM. Subsequently, the Daita servitors began preparations for the deities’ return journey.
It takes approximately four hours to affix the Chhena Patta, Kusumi, and Bahuta Kanta—special protective armours—onto the deities to help them bear the strain during the Pahandi (ceremonial procession).
Meanwhile, the Suansia servitors installed Charamalas (ladders) on the Ratna Simhasan (bejewelled throne) within the sanctum sanctorum and on each of the three chariots to facilitate the Pahandi procession.
Tomorrow, the daily rituals will begin with Mangala Arati at 4 AM, followed by Mailum, Tadapa Lagi, Rosa Homa, Abakasha, and Surya Puja. After these, the deities will be offered Gopal Bhog and dressed in their travel attire.
By noon, the Daita servitors will commence Goti Pahandi (procession of one deity at a time), escorting the deities from the sanctum sanctorum of the Gundicha Temple to their respective chariots. The Pahandi is expected to begin at noon and conclude by 2:30 PM.
Thereafter, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb will perform the sacred Chhera Pahanra (sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom) from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, as per the temple bulletin.
By 4 PM, once the wooden horses are fixed to the chariots, devotees will be allowed to pull the chariots of Taladhwaja (Lord Balabhadra), followed by Darpadalana (Devi Subhadra)and finally Nandighosh (Lord Jagannath) Puri’s Chief Temple Administrator Aravind Padhi, newly appointed District Magistrate Chanchal Rana, Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra, and other senior officers are overseeing all arrangements for the Bahuda Yatra.
According to the temple bulletin, the Sunavesha (golden attire of the deities) will be observed on July 6, Adharpana offering will be performed on July 7and the final ritual, Niladri Bije (the deities’ return to the sanctum of the main temple), will take place on July 8.
