Puri, Jul 15: The world-renowned holy Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is all set to mesmerize devotees across the world, with all rituals and administrative preparations finalized.

On Wednesday, the Agyan Mala (divine permission garland) arrived at the Rath Khala, signalling readiness for the grand procession. After the Agyan Mala Bije, the three majestic chariots are being pulled from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwar, marking the Ubha Yatra.

During the Ubha Yatra, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha is pulled first, followed by Devi Subhadra’s Darpadalana and Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja.

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However, during Rath Yatra, the order is reversed — Taladhwaja chariot leads, followed by Darpadalana, and finally Nandighosha.

The rituals have been meticulously scheduled:

• 6 AM – Mangala Alati
• 9 AM – Chariot installation (Rath Pratistha)
• 9:30 AM – Pahandi procession of the deities
• 2-3 PM – Chhera Pahanra ritual performed by Gajapati Maharaja
• 3-4 PM – Fixing of Charamala, horses, and charioteers
• 4 PM onwards – Commencement of the grand chariot pulling, awaited by devotees worldwide

The Chhatisha Nijoga, Niti Sub-Committee, and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) have jointly approved the final ritual schedule.

The district administration has also completed all arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival, including crowd management, security, and medical facilities.

Thursday marks the sacred Shree Gundicha Yatra, when the deities will travel to the Gundicha Temple, symbolizing their annual visit to the birthplace of their aunt. Wednesday’s Ubha Yatra serves as the precursor to this divine journey.

Despite relentless rain from the low pressure, waves of devotees thronged the streets of Puri — especially the Bada Danda (Grand Road) — for the Ubha Yatra, their unwavering faith turning the downpour into a testament of devotion at its peak.

The holy Rath Yatra, a centuries-old tradition, continues to embody Odisha’s spiritual heritage and draws global attention as one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.