Puri: The holy trinity of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra began their homeward bound journey from Gundicha temple well ahead of their schedule.
In view of COVID-19 pandemic and as mandated by the Supreme Court the festivities are being observed sans devotees. 500 servitors have been deployed to each chariot for pulling. All of them have tested negative for COVID-19 as part of the guidelines.
Lord Balabhadra being the eldest was the first to set off in his red-bluish green coloured chariot Taladhwaja. He is closely followed by sister Goddess Subhadra in red-black coloured chariot Darpadalana. Lord Jagannath is at the rear in his red-yellow chariot Nandighosha.
During the return journey, the three chariots stop for a while at the Mausima Temple, also known as Ardhasani Temple. This temple is dedicated to the aunt of Lord Jagannath. Here three deities are offered ‘Poda Pitha’, a special sweet made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery.
