The 138th Chariot Festival of lord Jagannath amid tight security began in the morning from the Jagannathpur temple at Dhurwa, 12 km away from the city where thousands devotees jostled to have first glimpse of the deities. People coming from Ranchi and adjoining villages participated with all festivity and devotion in the yatra which included pulling the chariot from the temple to Mausi bari.

The nine-day festival marks the annual sojourn of lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra at his aunt’s house – Mausi bari. The three deities are taken out from the main temple once in a year for the commoners to give darshana on streets.

Chariots procession was taken out in an extravagant way from the Jagannath temple to Mausi bari in the evening. Around 45,000 devotees by chanting hymns pulled the 45 feet high and 25 quintal of weight wooden chariot with rope. Devotees danced blissfully and cry of ‘Haribol’ and ‘Jai Jagannath’ was filled in the air. As many as 200 police personnel and 25 magistrates were deputed to manage the crowd and prevent from any untoward incident.

From the morning, lord Jagannath temple was buzzing with religious activities as elaborated rituals of the lords were performed by the priests. After Vishnu ashtha puja around 4 pm devotes took the three wooden idols out from the temple to the chariot swaying them rhythmically in a ritual described as ‘Pahanra’.

Following the tradition Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the procession by pulling the chariot. Former Ranchi MP Subodh Kant Sahai and Hatia MlA Naveen Jaiswal were also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister also conveyed his greetings to all his devotees participating in the yatra. Head Priest of the temple Braj Bhusan Nath Mishra narrating the story behind this festival said, “The importance of this festival is that the lord comes to his people. Devotees from different corners of the country have come here to seek the lord’s blessing as it is believed that all the desires get fulfilled on this day. City SP Anup Birthare, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Sadar Amit Kumar along with police personnel travelled with the chariot.”

The administration on its part had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident and ensure law and order on the occassion. During mela Jharkhand Armed police (JAP), Ranchi district police, home guard and women police constables were deployed in good numbers.

Besides, around hundred police constables were deployed in plain clothes also to keep a close eye on any anti-social activity. A temporary police station for people to register complains was also placed on the mela site. Bomb disposal and dog squad were also deployed there. Devotees only after going through the metal detector checks were allowed to come near the chariot.

City SP Anup Birthare said, “There is no specific input on terror threats but we are prepared for any eventuality. Besides police force, local residents are also extending all possible help to make the yatra incident-free.” Rath after travelling three km reached Mausi bari around 7pm. The festival concluded with the Maha arti at 8pm.