The Rath Yatra was celebrated with religious fervour in various parts of the capital city on Friday. Thousands of devotees became part of the festival near the Jagannath temples and pulled the chariots.
At the ISKCON Temple In Nayapally, where one of the major Rath Yatra takes place every year, the Pahandi Bije started at around 1 pm and the Chherapahanra was performed at around 3.30 pm. The chariot was pulled along at 4 pm
The Jagannath temple at Patia celebrated the Rath Yatra according to the schedule finalised by the Jagannath Temple managing committee.
The Khandagiri-Jagamara road was overcrowded when devotees gathered to witness the pulling of chariots which began from the Dharma Vihar temple.
Besides, Rath Yatra was also organised at VSS Nagar, Old Town, Jagamara, Utkal University campus, RCM, Dumduma, Bhimatangi, and the Ghatikia area in which thousands of devotees participated.
The Commissionerate police made elaborate security arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival. The use of masks was mandated for the devotees by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to prevent virus transmission during the huge gatherings.