IN PICS| Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra: Trinity meets devotees after 2 years

Ratha Jatra, which marks the nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at the Gundichha Temple, is held every year on Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu almanac.

Devotees throng the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS) 

The Yatra commenced on July 1, Friday, after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

Ratha Jatra, which marks the nine-day sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at the Gundichha Temple, is held every year on Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu almanac. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

Emotions spilled over and cries of 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Haribol' rent the air as the gigantic chariots of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra along with Chakraraj Sudarshan rolled in this sea-side pilgrim town. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

Sounds of gongs and cymbals reverberated in the air and devotees from across the country and abroad thronged the area around the Lion gate for a glimpse of the deities on the chariots. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

Tight security ring was thrown and elaborate measures were made by the district administration and Odisha police to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

The 'Pahandi' or the ceremonial procession of the deities which was scheduled to be held at 9.30 am began at 7 am. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati along with his selected disciples had a darshan of the deities on the chariots as per tradition. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

This was followed by Puri's titular king Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performing the 'chhera pahanra', the ritualistic sweeping of chariots with a golden broom. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and many other dignitaries greeted the people on the occasion. (Photo | Biswanath Swain, EPS)