The Bahuda Yatra

Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of deities, held in Puri

The Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the deities to the Puri Jagannath temple after the annual Rath Yatra, was celebrated in absence of devotees in the pilgrimage town of Puri on Wednesday.

Idols of deities — Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra — were ceremoniously installed in three majestic chariots parked outside Mausi Maa temple. In accordance with rituals, the deities return from their aunt’s abode on the ninth day of the Rath Yatra.

Three chariots were towed by police personnel and servitors along the 3 km-long Grand Road. Chariots were parked in front of the 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple in the afternoon. Another important ritual, Suna Besa, will be held on Thursday, for which deities will be attired in gold ornaments.