The Jagannathpur Temple buzzed with activity on Friday as the Rath Yatra festival unfolded with a series of special pujas and rituals. The day began with the auspicious Mangal Aarti at 4 AM and culminated in the Shyanam ritual for the deities at 8 PM. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as the idols of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra were prepared for their journey to Mausi Badi. The Vedic rituals were performed in the presence of a large congregation of devotees.
According to the head priest, Rameswar Padi, the day’s schedule included the Mangala Aarti at 4 AM, followed by the Panchamrit Snan for the deities. Devotees were then granted Darshan at 5 AM. Religious activities such as Bhog, Havan, Kirtan, and Aarti continued until 2 PM. After this, darshan was closed, and preparations for the Rath Yatra commenced. The idols of Sudarshana Chakra Garuda, Lakshmi Narasimha, Balabhadra Swami, Subhadra Mata, and Lord Jagannath Swami were placed on the chariots by 2:30 PM. The deities were then adorned, and from 3 PM to 4:30 PM, devotees performed Shri Laksharchana. After that, the Achit Pushpa was offered to Lord Jagannath Swami, accompanied by the recitation of the Aarti Jagannathashtakam Gita. The pulling of the chariot began, leading to Mausi Badi by 6 PM. Special viewing for women in sarees took place from 6 PM to 6:45 PM, followed by the deities’ entry into the Mausi Badi temple. The day ended with the Shyanam ritual, which was performed with 108 Mangal Aartis at 8 PM.
The head priest also noted that, as in previous years, the traditional rituals were followed, and the Mahabhog offered included 56 different food items, such as rice, lentils, vegetables, kheer, laddus, and fruits.