Odisha Leaders Greet Devotees as Lakhs Pull Chariots Amid Heavy Rain in Puri

PURI — A massive wave of spiritual fervor swept the coastal town of Puri on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as lakhs of ecstatic devotees congregated to celebrate the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The grand chariot festival commenced with immense enthusiasm despite persistent heavy rains, supported by extensive administrative interventions to handle the deluge.

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended their warm wishes to the public on this sacred occasion. The Governor, in his official message, prayed that the divine festival would further strengthen the core sentiments of faith, unity, equality, and universal brotherhood among humanity.

Chief Minister Majhi, who had been camping in Puri for the past two days to personally oversee and monitor the complex logistical arrangements, prayed for the all-round development of the state. "May the boundless grace and blessings of the Great Lord Shri Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Mother Subhadra boost happiness, peace, and prosperity, and let the progress continue uninterrupted in the state," the Chief Minister stated. Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also released a dedicated video message, wishing that the Lord’s blessings would fill everyone's lives with joy and prosperity.

Massive Devotee Turnout and Weather Resilience

Despite the highly inclement weather and heavy downpours, the grit of the pilgrims remained entirely undeterred. Nearly two lakh pilgrims had already successfully reached the gates of the 12th-century shrine by the morning hours to witness and participate in the grand festival.

To combat immediate waterlogging threats on the Grand Road (Bada Danda), the local administration made rapid, special provisions. High-capacity pumps were deployed to drain out rainwater from the entire 2.6-kilometer stretch, ensuring that the critical route leading to the Shree Gundicha temple remained operationally clear and safe for the multi-ton structural vehicles.

The Chariot Procession and Core Rituals

The operational highlight of the day commenced precisely at 4 PM when the massive ocean of devotees began pulling the three majestic chariots. The synchronized procession was officially flagged off following the completion of time-honored, mandatory rituals:

• Spiritual Inspection: A formal visit and benediction by Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati.

• Royal Cleaning: The execution of the traditional Chhera Pahanra—the highly symbolic sweeping of the wooden chariot decks with a golden broom—performed by Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.

Following these steps, the three distinct color-coded chariots rolled forward. The deities will now stay at the Shree Gundicha temple, considered their aunt's summer cottage, for their traditional nine-day sojourn before making the return journey (Bahuda Yatra) back to the main sanctum.