Puri, Jul 16: The Pahandi Bije ritual of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra has been completed as the siblings ceremonially arrived on their respective chariots — Taladhwaja and Darpadalana.

Puri, meanwhile, reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ as the much‑awaited Pahandi Bije rituals are underway. Only Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi Bije, the most-awaited event of the ritual, is underway.

The procession commenced with Lord Sudarshana, followed by Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Finally, Lord Jagannath — affectionately called Kalia Saanta — will emerge, adorned with the traditional Tahiyas (decorative headgear), swaying gracefully as he will be carried forward towards His chariot — Nandighosha.

Lakhs of devotees thronged the Bada Danda (Grand Road), their voices rising in unison, creating a devotional atmosphere that shook the very surroundings.

Also read: Lord Sudarshana Reaches Darpadalana

Rituals leading to Pahandi

On Rath Yatra day, rituals begin at dawn with Arati and Avakash. The deities are adorned three times in their daily Besha. Following the Rosahoma fire ritual, Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja are performed.

Water is sprinkled inside the sanctum, while guards at the southern gate tie ceremonial ropes. The Suara Badus prepare offerings, and the Pratiharis call for the morning incense (Sakala Dhupa). Traditional offerings of Khichdi, Pitha, and Takuas are presented as part of the Shodasha Upachara (sixteen-fold ritual).

From the moment the deities leave the Ratna Singhasana (bejewelled throne) until their return, worship continues without pause. At the Mudirasta Badabara, the Pujapanda offers Mangalarpana to Lord Jagannath, while the Patimahapatra does so for Devi Subhadra.

The Sudhasuara prepares ritual items in brass vessels for eighteen deities, while the Mudirasta arranges flowers and ceremonial brushes (Tuli), nine of which are provided by Raghav Das Math. The Palia Khuntia Manima calls out, and the Daitapatis fasten ornaments on the deities.

Meanwhile, the Natamandap and Jagamohan are cleansed, with entry restricted to temple servitors, officials, and police.

The Pahandi Bije procession then begins. First, Lord Sudarshana is carried to the Satapahacha. Lord Balabhadra follows, then Devi Subhadra, and finally Lord Jagannath.

At the Satapahacha, the deities are adorned with Tahiyas (decorative headgear) provided by Raghav Das Math. Bells, trumpets, and drums resound ahead of the procession.

Umbrellas are held aloft, Odissi dancers perform before the deities, and the atmosphere reverberates with chants of Haribol, Hulahuli, and Jai Jagannath. Devotees, standing behind barricades, witness the Pahandi inside the temple with tickets.

The deities then proceed via Anand Bazaar and Baishipahacha to ascend their respective chariots, marking the grand beginning of the Rath Yatra.