Bahuda Yatra Begins With Dhadi Pahandi Ritual in Puri

Puri, Jul 24: The Dhadi Pahandi ritual of the Chaturdhamurati began Friday, marking the start of the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath and His siblings from Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Dhadi Pahandi refers to the ceremonial procession in which the deities are carried one after another in a line ("dhadi") from the Adapa Mandap inside the Gundicha Temple to their respective chariots amid chants, gongs, cymbals and devotional fervour. Unlike ordinary movement, the deities are carried in a distinctive rhythmic, swaying manner by the servitors, making Pahandi one of the most visually significant rituals of the Rath Yatra.

The Pahandi Bije of Lord Sudarshana is currently underway. He has been placed on the Darpadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra. This will be followed by the Pahandi of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannath, who will ascend their respective chariots.

Key Rituals Scheduled Today
Following the completion of the Pahandi rituals, the remaining ceremonies will be held as per the schedule:

Gajapati Maharaja's Rajaniti and Chhera Pahanra: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Charamala Phita and Ghoda Lagiba: 3 pm to 4 pm
Chariot pulling begins: 4 pm

Also Read: After One of the Wettest Rath Yatras in 50 Years, Dry Skies Likely to Bless Lord Jagannath's Golden Adornment

The ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by the Gajapati Maharaja during Chhera Pahanra symbolises that everyone is equal before Lord Jagannath, irrespective of social status or position.

Thousands of devotees have gathered in Puri to witness the Bahuda Yatra as elaborate security and crowd-management arrangements remain in place for the return journey of the Holy Trinity.