Cuttack, Apr 17: The much-awaited Rukuna Rath pulling festival of Lord Jameswar was conducted amid the presence of hundreds of devotees at Radhadamadarpur under Athagarh block in Cuttack district yesterday.

Keeping to the unique tradition of about 200 years, devotees pulled the Rukuna Rath in the night hours amid all devotion and serenity.  Festivities will continue to be held for three days till April 19. 

According to the customary practices, the village head, Bhagirathi Kar of the present time, was crowned as king for a day and escorted him in a rally through the village amid firecracker explosions and the beating of drums and other traditional musical instruments in the evening. Later, he conducted the Chhera Pahmara (sweeping of floor) ritual on the Rath after which the car was pulled by devotees to the Mausi Maa house. 

Mandua Bhog was offered to the Lord and devotees took a bath in the Ashoka pond to get rid of all sins. 

Adequate police personnel were deployed in the village for the smooth conduct of the Rukuna Rath festival. 
Stalls selling stationery articles, dolls and toys, pottery, and food items have been put up to mark the three-day festival.