The grand Jagannath Bahuda Yatra 2026 commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday with lakhs of devotees gathering to witness the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the historic Jagannath Temple. Authorities deployed elaborate security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of one of India's largest religious festivals. The Bahuda Yatra marks the return leg of the annual Rath Yatra festival, during which the three deities travel back to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple after spending nearly a week at the Gundicha Temple, located around 2.6 kilometres away. Rituals begin ahead of schedule The day's rituals began with the traditional 'Goti Pahandi' procession, in which servitors ceremonially carried the deities from the temple to their respective chariots. Although the Pahandi ritual was scheduled to begin at noon, it started around 10.50 am, allowing devotees to witness the sacred procession earlier than expected. Amid chants of "Jai Jagannath" and "Haribol", thousands watched as the deities were escorted one by one to their beautifully decorated chariots. The spiritual atmosphere echoed through the streets of Puri as devotees offered prayers and sought blessings. Devotees pull the three chariots Following the completion of the rituals, devotees prepared to pull the three majestic chariots towards the Jagannath Temple. Taladwaj – Chariot of Lord Balabhadra Darpadalan – Chariot of Goddess Subhadra Nandighosh – Chariot of Lord Jagannath Pulling the chariots is considered highly auspicious, and lakhs of devotees participate every year, believing it brings divine blessings and spiritual merit. Heavy security arrangements in place Given the massive turnout, the Odisha government deployed extensive security personnel across Puri. Police, rapid response teams, surveillance drones and emergency medical services were stationed along the procession route to manage crowds and ensure devotees' safety. Officials also implemented traffic diversions and crowd-control measures to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims during the festival. Leaders greet devotees Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and several political leaders extended greetings to devotees on the occasion. They wished for peace, prosperity and the successful completion of the sacred festival. The Bahuda Yatra is one of the most significant events in the Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrations and attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad every year.
