By Our Correspondent
PURI/BHUBANESWAR: The consecration ritual or “Pratistha Puja” of the newly constructed “Rathas” has been performed as per tradition. The three “Rathas” are eagerly awaiting for the arrival of the deities. District Collector Samarth Verma said all rituals of deities are going on smoothly. “We hope all the rituals will be completed on time tomorrow,” he said.
On Friday morning, a Purohit performed Yajna to consecrate the three chariots. The rituals began with ‘Mangala Arati’ at 6 am, followed by ‘Mailam’ and ‘Vesha,’ ‘Rosha Homa’ and Surya Puja.’ Than ‘Gopal Bhog’ and ‘Khichidi Bhog’ will be offered.
‘Pahandi’ is scheduled to start on Thursday by 8.30 am and will be completed by 11.30 am. ‘Chherapahanra’ of the chariots by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb would be performed. After fixing wooden horses to the chariots, the pulling is scheduled to start in the afternoon.
More than 185 platoons of armed police personnel, including 1,000 officers of various ranks are deployed in and around Puri to ensure safe conduct of the festival.
The Railways engaged scores of armed policemen while several CCTV cameras have been installed at various places.
The deities will return to Sri Mandir after completion of the nine-day yatra called ‘Bahuda Jatra’. The State Administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
