Bhubaneswar: The sacred city of Puri is hours away from witnessing the much-awaited Bahuda Yatra on July 24th. This return journey of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra marks the concluding phase of the annual Rath Yatra festival, as the deities return to the Jagannath Temple after their divine stay at the Gundicha Temple. The pilgrim town is charged with devotion, anticipation, and religious fervour as preparations reach their final stage.
Final Adapa Darshan Draws Massive Devotee Turnout
Ahead of the grand return procession, thousands of devotees thronged the Gundicha Temple to avail the final opportunity for Adapa Darshan on Thursday . Since early morning, long queues have been witnessed outside the temple premises, reflecting deep faith and eagerness among pilgrims. The temple administration allowed darshan from 6 AM, with the Sandhya Darshan scheduled to conclude at 6 PM to facilitate preparations for the Bahuda Yatra.
Devotees described the experience as spiritually uplifting and emotionally overwhelming. Many believe that witnessing the deities at the Adapa Mandapa during this final phase brings divine blessings and inner peace
Ritual Schedule for the Bahuda Yatra
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has finalised a detailed schedule for the rituals associated with the Bahuda Yatra, ensuring timely execution in coordination with servitors. The Pahandi ritual, during which the deities are ceremoniously brought out of the Gundicha Temple and placed on their respective chariots, will begin at 12 noon and is expected to conclude around 2:30 PM.
ପବିତ୍ର ବାହୁଡ଼ା ଯାତ୍ରା ନିମନ୍ତେ ଶ୍ରୀବିଗ୍ରହମାନଙ୍କ ତିନି ରଥରେ ଚାରମାଳ ବନ୍ଧା କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଜାରି ରହିଛି।#Rathayatra2026 #JaiJagannatha #RathaJatra2026 #RathaYatra #ShreeJagannathaDhaam #Puri pic.twitter.com/AJOgkhyA76
— Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri (@JagannathaDhaam) July 23, 2026
Following this, the hereditary Chhera Pahanra ritual will be performed by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM. The ceremonial sweeping of the chariots by the Gajapati Maharaja signifies humility and devotion. The chariot-pulling ceremony is scheduled to commence around 4 PM, marking the beginning of the return journey along the Grand Road.
Multi-Layer Security Arrangements in Place
With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the Bahuda Yatra, the Odisha Police have implemented extensive and multi-layered security measures across Puri. Central Range Inspector General of Police Satyajit Naik stated that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth darshan and effective crowd regulation.
He informed that around 50 platoons of police forces have been deployed, and the temple premises have been divided into multiple sectors, each supervised by senior police officials. Zig-zag barricading has been installed to streamline crowd movement, while separate entry and exit gates have been designated for devotees to avoid congestion.
Security arrangements have been extended for both the final darshan day and the Bahuda Yatra. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety and discipline among the large gathering of devotees.
Traffic and Parking Management Strengthened
Special emphasis has been laid on traffic regulation and parking management to handle the massive influx of vehicles into the pilgrim town. Authorities have created parking facilities at around 30 to 31 locations in and around Puri, with separate arrangements for vehicles entering from the Bhubaneswar route.
Officials stated that provisions have been made to accommodate thousands of vehicles, including light motor vehicles, two-wheelers and buses. Senior officers Amitabh Thakur and Kanwar Vishal Singh, who are overseeing traffic management, have urged motorists to follow real-time updates and cooperate with police personnel at diversion points to avoid congestion.
Traffic movement, parking facilities and crowd flow are being monitored through advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and drones, ensuring better coordination and rapid response to any situation.
Cultural Significance of Poda Pitha Offering
An integral part of the Bahuda Yatra is the offering of Poda Pitha, a traditional Odia delicacy, to Mahaprabhu Jagannath when the chariots pass the Mausi Maa Temple. This ritual symbolises maternal affection and devotion and holds deep emotional significance among devotees.
According to the Skanda Purana, Maa Mausi Maa, also known as Ardhashini, played a divine role during the cosmic deluge by consuming half of the rising waters, thereby protecting the sacred land of Puri. This belief continues to be associated with the ritual offering, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and mythological traditions of the festival.
Administration Ready for Weather Challenges
With forecasts indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall, the administration has taken precautionary measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Dewatering pumps and other logistical arrangements have been put in place to tackle waterlogging and maintain uninterrupted movement during the procession.
State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that all preparations have been completed and expressed confidence that both Bahuda Yatra and the upcoming Suna Besha will be conducted smoothly with the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
Senior IPS officer Saumendra Priyadarsi, who is overseeing overall security, noted that although Bahuda Yatra generally witnesses fewer crowds compared to Rath Yatra, authorities are fully prepared. He emphasised that there will be no compromise on security, traffic regulation or crowd management.
Devotion Peaks as Puri Awaits the Return Journey
As the chariots stand ready for their return journey from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple, the entire city of Puri is immersed in devotion and spiritual excitement. The seamless coordination between temple authorities, administration and security agencies reflects the importance of the festival and the commitment to ensuring a safe experience for devotees.
#WATCH | Puri, Odisha | Devotees have gathered for this year’s final darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra at Adapa Mandapa ahead of Bahuda Yatra scheduled on 24 July. pic.twitter.com/2tmpmd15FM
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
The Bahuda Yatra not only signifies the return of the deities to their abode but also marks the final leg leading to the Niladri Bije ritual on July 27, when the Holy Trinity will re-enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple. With faith, discipline and meticulous planning, Puri stands ready to witness yet another grand chapter of this timeless spiritual tradition.
Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Five More Trademarks to Safeguard Sacred Heritage
In another important development, the Puri Jagannath Temple has taken a significant step to preserve its spiritual and cultural legacy. Five additional trademark applications linked to Mahaprabhu Jagannath have been approved during the second stage of examination by the Trade Marks Registry, sources reported on Thursday.
The newly approved names include Jagannath Dham, Shrikshetra, Mahaprasad, Neelachakra, and Koili Baikuntha. These applications have been cleared for publication in the upcoming Trade Mark Journal, according to Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
SJTA Highlights Key Achievement
Sharing the update on social media, Padhee described the development as a major milestone in protecting the temple’s sacred identity. He emphasised that the approvals mark an important step toward preventing unauthorised use and commercial exploitation of terms deeply associated with Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
Legal Safeguard for Sacred Traditions
The initiative aims to ensure legal protection for religious names and symbols that hold immense spiritual significance for millions of devotees. Trademark registration grants exclusive rights over the use of specific names, words, and symbols, thereby restricting their unauthorised use, sale, or commercial reproduction.
This latest progress builds on earlier approvals granted to Ananda Bazaar and Patitapaban, along with the official SJTA logo, by Intellectual Property India. These approvals form part of a broader initiative by the temple administration to secure intellectual property rights for various elements associated with Jagannath traditions.
Strengthening Cultural Identity
Sources indicate that the SJTA had initially filed applications for 26 names, after which the Indian Patent Office sought additional clarifications. Several of these applications are now advancing through different stages of approval.
Officials believe these measures will significantly strengthen efforts to protect the religious and cultural identity of the 12th-century shrine. By securing trademarks, the administration aims to curb misuse and ensure that the sanctity of Jagannath traditions is preserved amid growing commercialisation.
