Angul: Jindal Nagar and its surrounding villages were immersed in an overwhelming sense of devotion as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bahuda Yatra at Devbhoomi, marking the divine return of the revered deities—Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, and Lord Sudarshan—from the Gundicha Temple to their sacred abode at the Jagannath Temple in Jindal Nagar, Angul.
Smt. Shallu Jindal, the Pratham Sevika of Mahaprabhu and Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation & the consort of Shri Naveen Jindal, Pratham Sevak, 3rd time Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power performed the Chhera Panhara and Pahandi rituals with utmost reverence, symbolising complete surrender to Mahaprabhu by the Prime Servitor before the return journey of the divine chariots.
The rituals commenced in the early hours at 5:00 AM with Mangal Aarati, followed by Mailam, Tadap Lagi, Abakash Neeti, and other sacred ceremonies, all conducted under the spiritual guidance of Chief Priest Sri Srikant Ji. Each ritual was meticulously observed, staying true to the centuries-old traditions of the Jagannath cult.
The grand event saw enthusiastic participation from the local community and the residents of Jindal Nagar, who pulled the majestic chariots with profound devotion, spiritual zeal, and a deep sense of unity.
The deities will continue to reside on their chariots for the next three days, witnessing and blessing the celebrations of Sunabesha, Adharapana, and Neeladri Bije on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, respectively.