As the countdown for the much-awaited Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins, thousands of devotees from across the country have started thronging this pilgrim town while three decorated chariots are ready to be pulled from the 12th century shrine.
The enthusiasm among the devotees is clearly visible across the state as the nine-day annual Rath Yatra of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath will be held with full public participation after two years.
The devotees were denied entry into the holy town during the festival in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
