Bahuda Yatra 2026: Lord Jagannath, Siblings Board Chariots After Grand Pahandi in Puri

Puri, July 24: Lakhs of devotees packed the Grand Road in Puri on Friday as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were ceremonially brought out of the Gundicha Temple and placed on their respective chariots, marking a key ritual of Bahuda Yatra 2026.

Amid chants of “Jai Jagannath” and the rhythmic beating of gongs, cymbals and conches, the deities were taken in the traditional Pahandi procession from the Gundicha Temple to the three decorated chariots waiting outside.

The Bahuda Yatra marks the return journey of the sibling deities to the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple after their annual sojourn at the Gundicha Temple.

Deities Taken to Their Chariots

The ceremonial Pahandi, one of the most eagerly awaited rituals of the festival, was conducted amid a sea of devotees who had gathered along the Grand Road since early morning.

Lord Balabhadra was taken to his Taladhwaja chariot, followed by Devi Subhadra to Darpadalana. Lord Jagannath was subsequently escorted in the traditional procession and placed aboard his majestic Nandighosha chariot.

Devotees raised chants as the deities emerged from the temple, turning the Grand Road into a vast congregation of faith and devotion.

Chariot Pulling After Chhera Pahanra

With the completion of Pahandi, attention now shifts to the Chhera Pahanra, the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri.

The pulling of the three chariots towards the Shree Jagannath Temple is scheduled to begin after completion of the ritual.

Observed on Ashadha Shukla Dashami, Bahuda Yatra retraces the route taken by the deities during Rath Yatra, bringing them back from the Gundicha Temple, regarded in Jagannath tradition as their Janmabedi or birthplace.

Lord Jagannath to Halt at Mausi Maa Temple

An important ritual awaits Lord Jagannath during the return journey.

The Nandighosha chariot will halt near the Mausi Maa Temple, where the deity will be offered the traditional Poda Pitha, a special baked delicacy associated with the centuries-old Bahuda Yatra tradition.

The three chariots will eventually reach the vicinity of the Srimandir, setting the stage for the rituals that follow the return journey.

Puri Sees Massive Devotee Turnout

Puri witnessed an overwhelming influx of pilgrims for the festival, with devotees arriving from different parts of Odisha and the country to witness the return journey of the sibling deities.

Elaborate arrangements have been put in place for security, crowd management, traffic regulation and emergency response along the Grand Road and other key locations in the pilgrim town.

Police and other agencies have deployed personnel at strategic points to regulate the massive gathering and facilitate the smooth conduct of the festival.

The Bahuda Yatra forms one of the most significant stages of the annual Rath Yatra festivities, as the deities begin their journey back to their abode after their stay at Gundicha Temple.