Rath Yatra 2021: The Chariots of Three Deities Reaches Gundicha Temple

Puri: The three chariots, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabadhra, Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath and Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra reached Gundicha temple in Puri on Monday evening.

During the annual Rath Yatra, the three deities come out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple through a ceremonial procession for the much awaited journey to Gundicha temple where they will stay for nine days. 

Though pulling off the chariots on the grand road was scheduled for 3pm, however it commenced at 12.15 pm.

The Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra was the first to roll on the Grand Road, followed by Darpadalana of Devi Subhadra and Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath. All the chariots were pulled by servitors of the temple. Taladhwaja reached the Gundicha temple at 4 pm followed by Darpadalana and Nandighosh.

Only fully vaccinated servitors and servitors with Covid negative reports were allowed to participate. As per Supreme Court guidelines only 500 servitors were allowed to pull each chariot during the festival.