Puri: The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and His siblings began on Thursday in Odisha's holy town of Puri with the sacred Pahandi Bije ritual, as the deities were ceremonially escorted from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots amid religious fervour and devotion.

The Pahandi ritual commenced ahead of the scheduled time, with Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra being carried in a grand ceremonial procession accompanied by the resonating sounds of traditional musical instruments such as ghanta (gong) and kahali (trumpet).

Following centuries-old tradition, Chakraraj Sudarshan, the weapon of Lord Krishna, was first taken out of the temple and placed on the chariot of Devi Subhadra. It was followed by the procession of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and finally Lord Jagannath in the traditional 'Dhadi Pahandi', during which the deities move one after another before being placed on their respective chariots.

Lakhs of devotees gathered in Puri from across the country and abroad to witness the grand spectacle and seek the blessings of the divine siblings. The devotees enthusiastically chanted "Jai Jagannath" and "Hari Bol" while dancing in devotion as the deities were brought out of the temple.

After the completion of the Pahandi ritual, Lord Jagannath was seated on the Nandighosha chariot, Lord Balabhadra on the Taladhwaja chariot, and Devi Subhadra on the Darpadalana chariot.

The deities will later embark on their ceremonial journey to the Shree Gundicha Temple, as thousands of devotees will participate in pulling the three majestic chariots through the Grand Road (Bada Danda).