Bhubaneswar: The famous ‘Rukuna Rath Yatra’ of Lord Lingaraj will be celebrated on April 9 this year.
Reportedly, the schedule of different rituals have been finalised in a meeting that was held in the presence of the Collector.
During this meeting, it has been decided that the ‘Pahandi’ rituals and ‘Ratharudha’ will be held between 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
Thereafter, the Chariot pulling ceremony will begin from 3:30 pm onwards. The ‘Bahuda’ ritual will be held on April 13.
It is to be noted that after a gap of two years, the Rukuna Rath Yatra will be held with public participation this year.
Strict security provisions will be made with drinking water arrangements and sheds will be put by the BMC.
The Chariot Festival of Lord Lingaraja is celebrated in Odisha on the day of Ashokastami that takes place in the month of Chaitra.
This festival lasts for five-seven days. This festival is believed to be ‘Papa Binashakari Yatra’ which means festival that destroys all evil and sins.
Rukuna Rath is also called ‘Analeuta’ chariot as the chariot does not take any turn during the return journey. The direction of altars of the gods gets changed and the chariot is pulled from backside.
Kalinga AI