Puri, June 28: The pulling of the sacred chariots will resume at 9:30 AM today, informed the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

According to reports, the procession was paused late Friday evening after Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot encountered difficulties navigating a turn on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), compounded by a massive crowd breaching security cordons.

Despite the disruption, all rituals, including the Chera Pahanra by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba, were completed on schedule.

The delay led to significant congestion and over 600 devotees reportedly required medical attention due to heat, exhaustion, and minor injuries.

SJTA officials, in coordination with the Puri district administration, have since worked through the night to restore order and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

“We are committed to completing the sacred procession with devotion and discipline,” an SJTA spokesperson stated.

The Rath Yatra, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

The pulling of the three majestic wooden chariots is a central ritual, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.

Authorities have urged devotees to cooperate with security personnel and follow designated routes to ensure a smooth continuation of the festival. Additional crowd management measures and medical teams have been deployed in anticipation of tomorrow’s resumed procession.

The resumption of the chariot pulling is expected to be accompanied by renewed spiritual fervor and a sea of chanting devotees, as the Holy Trinity continues their divine journey through the heart of Puri.

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