Puri. The devotees again started pulling the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath with new enthusiasm on Saturday. Please tell that the Rath Yatra was stopped in Puri on the night of 27 June. By Friday evening, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath were to reach the Gundicha temple, which is considered to be the place of aunt, but the devotees had to stay on the grand road due to Lord Balabhadra’s Taldhwaj being trapped at one turn of the chariot, so that the other two chariots could not move forward.
Chariot kept on the road overnight amid tight security
After completing the morning rituals with the cheers of ‘Jai Jagannath’, the process of pulling the chariot started again at around 10 am on Saturday. Thousands of devotees stayed in Puri at night and attended the chariot between the hour and the sound of the conch. The chariot is now moving towards the Gundicha temple. Gundicha Temple is located 2.6 km from the 12th century Jagannath Temple.
More than 600 devotees injured
Officials said that more than 600 devotees who fell ill during the Rath Yatra on Saturday were treated in various hospitals in Puri. Many people were injured due to shock, while more than 200 people fainted due to heat and humid weather. Officials said that about one million devotees have reached Puri for the annual Rath Yatra. He said that the weather remained favorable despite light rain on Saturday.
CAPA-NSG deployment of about 10,000 personnel of others
It is believed that only the touch of the chariot gives the blessings of Lord Jagannath on the devotees. An annual Rath Yatra is being organized amid unprecedented security arrangements with the deployment of about 10,000 personnel of Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), National Security Guard (NSG) and others. The police have made all arrangements for the smooth operation of the Rath Yatra. Director of Police (DGP) Y. B. Khurania said that more than 275 AI (artificial intelligence) CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the crowd.
Also read: More than 180 companies of paramilitary forces are deployed for Amarnath Yatra, there are full arrangements for devotees to live and stay
