Bhubaneswar: Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra returned to the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir from Srigundicha temple in Odisha’s Puri city by riding their respective chariots on the occasion of Bahuda Yatra on Friday.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad gathered at the Holy Town to take part in the return car festival.

Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra reached the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century shrine first followed by the Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra. Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath is the last one to reach the destination.

The deities were offered Poda Pitha (traditional cake) on their chariots near the Mausi Maa temple during the return journey.

Earlier in the day, the sibling deities were escorted to their chariots at Saradhabali from the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple through the traditional Pahandi procession.

The deities began their return journey soon after Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb performed the ceremonial Chhera Panhara (sweeping ritual) on the chariots in the afternoon.

Lord Jagannath and his siblings had embarked on their journey to Srigundicha temple for a nine-day sojourn by riding their chariots on the Grand Road on the occasion of Rath Yatra on July 16.

After making a night halt midway, the deities reached Saradhabali near Srigundicha temple on July 17. The deities were escorted to the Adapa Mandap of Srigundicha temple from their chariots on July 18.

As per the schedule, the sibling deities will be adorned with Suna Besha (Golden Attire) on their chariots on July 25 (Saturday). They will be offered Adhara Pana (a delicious drink) on their chariots on July 26 (Sunday).

The deities will be taken back to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir from the chariots through the Pahandi procession on the occasion of Niladri Bije on July 27 (Monday).