KEONJHAR: Lakhs of devotees converged on the Grand Road here to witness the spectacle of the State’s tallest chariot roll out with Lord Baldevjew seated on it. The chariot at 72 feet is taller than the Nandighosh of Lord Jagannath at Puri which stands at 45.6 feet.
As per schedule, Abakash nitee was performed by the sevayats at 5 am which was followed by lugalagi, Surya puja, dwarapala puja, dhoopa, mangalarpana, puspanjali, chakabhida and pahandi besa. All the rituals were completed before 1 pm. The Dhadi Pahandi started at 2 pm and concluded at 4 pm.
Scion of Keonjhar dynasty Dhananjay Narayan Bhanjdeo performed the ‘Chhera pahanra’. The chariot started rolling at 5.35 pm and reached Gundicha temple at 6.40 pm.