ID :
11458
Sat, 07/05/2008 - 09:14
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http://m.oananews.org//node/11458
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Rath yatra commences
Puri, July 5 (PTI) - Amidst tight security, Rath yatra of
Lord Jagannath commenced here Friday as thousands of devotees
thronged the holy city for the grand annual festival
symbolising harmony.
The deities of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother
Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra were brought out of the
sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine in a grand
procession called 'pahandi', which was delayed by about 90
minutes due to light rainfall and drizzle.
Chanting of hymns, blowing of conch shells and trumpets
and beating of 'ghantas' reverberated in the sprawling complex
as the deities were taken down the 22 steps towards three
decorated chariots in a rhythmic procession.
As the sky remained overcast since morning, the colourful
wooden chariots, festooned with flowers, applique works and
mural paintings were stationed right in front of the Lion's
Gate of the temple.
Deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are
taken on a nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple, considered
their aunt's abode, in their chariots called Nandighosh,
Taladhwaja and Debadalan respectively, to be pulled by
thousands of devotees on the grand avenue.
With the Maoist attack on security forces on June 29 in
Malkangiri district fresh in mind, a tight security net was
thrown around the holy city, where pilgrims from across the
country and abroad descended to witness the age-old grand
celebrations.
More than 2,500 police personnel, including anti-naxal
squads were deployed in the pilgrim town, while bomb disposal
squads, dog squads and rapid action force were also kept
ready, police said.
Sharp shooters and quick reaction teams were posted atop
buildings along the Grand Road in front of the temple and at
vantage points in the city and its outskirts, they said.
While anti-naxal commandos guarded the temple, close
circuit cameras were installed at major locations along the
Grand Road, they said adding police kept tabs on hotels and
guest houses, where routine checks were also carried out.
The district administration made elaborate arrangements
for the convenience of pilgrims by setting up temporary
information centres, while volunteers and workers from
different organisations were also present to extend necessary
help to the devotees. PTI C
Lord Jagannath commenced here Friday as thousands of devotees
thronged the holy city for the grand annual festival
symbolising harmony.
The deities of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother
Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra were brought out of the
sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine in a grand
procession called 'pahandi', which was delayed by about 90
minutes due to light rainfall and drizzle.
Chanting of hymns, blowing of conch shells and trumpets
and beating of 'ghantas' reverberated in the sprawling complex
as the deities were taken down the 22 steps towards three
decorated chariots in a rhythmic procession.
As the sky remained overcast since morning, the colourful
wooden chariots, festooned with flowers, applique works and
mural paintings were stationed right in front of the Lion's
Gate of the temple.
Deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are
taken on a nine-day sojourn to Gundicha temple, considered
their aunt's abode, in their chariots called Nandighosh,
Taladhwaja and Debadalan respectively, to be pulled by
thousands of devotees on the grand avenue.
With the Maoist attack on security forces on June 29 in
Malkangiri district fresh in mind, a tight security net was
thrown around the holy city, where pilgrims from across the
country and abroad descended to witness the age-old grand
celebrations.
More than 2,500 police personnel, including anti-naxal
squads were deployed in the pilgrim town, while bomb disposal
squads, dog squads and rapid action force were also kept
ready, police said.
Sharp shooters and quick reaction teams were posted atop
buildings along the Grand Road in front of the temple and at
vantage points in the city and its outskirts, they said.
While anti-naxal commandos guarded the temple, close
circuit cameras were installed at major locations along the
Grand Road, they said adding police kept tabs on hotels and
guest houses, where routine checks were also carried out.
The district administration made elaborate arrangements
for the convenience of pilgrims by setting up temporary
information centres, while volunteers and workers from
different organisations were also present to extend necessary
help to the devotees. PTI C
