Puri: The pulling of chariots of the holy siblings has commenced amidst pomp and glory here. The world-famous Rath Yatra is being held here on Thursday.
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Amid chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ and ‘Hari Bol’, devotees started pulling the chariot of Lord Balabhadra around 2.15 pm after fixation of wooden horses to the three chariots. The chariot of Goddess Subhadra will be pulled next, followed by Lord Jagannath’s chariot.
Prior to pulling of chariots, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performed the Cherapahanra ritual. The ritual is meant for sweeping and sanctifying the chariots and it signifies selfless dignity of labour.
Earlier Jagatguru Puri Shankaracharya paid a visit to the holy deities of Lords Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra in their respective chariots. The Shankaracharya, along with his disciples visited the holy siblings. He expressed his utmost content upon getting to view the deities.
Ms Kalinga