Puri: Amid chants of devotion and the thunderous cries of "Jai Jagannath," the majestic chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and the divine weapon Sudarshan rolled along the historic Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri on Thursday, marking the commencement of the world-famous Rath Yatra.

The ceremonial pulling of the chariots began at around 5.10 p.m., more than one hour behind schedule due to heavy rainfall, after the completion of the traditional Chhera Panhara ritual performed by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the foremost servitor of Lord Jagannath.

Earlier in the day, the deities were ceremonially escorted from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to their respective chariots during the sacred Dhadi Pahandi procession. The ritual concluded at around 1:45 p.m., with the Pahandi ceremonies beginning ahead of schedule.

In keeping with centuries-old tradition, Chakraraj Sudarshan, the celestial weapon of Lord Jagannath, was first placed on Devi Subhadra's Darpa Dalan chariot, followed by the procession of Lord Balabhadra to Taladhwaja, Devi Subhadra to Darpa Dalan, and finally Lord Jagannath to Nandighosha.

The grand procession unfolded amid the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, including the ghanta (gong), kahali (trumpet) and telingi baja, while priests recited sacred Vedic hymns and Odissi dancers welcomed the deities with devotional performances.

Following the Pahandi rituals, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb offered prayers before performing the revered Chhera Panhara ritual, symbolically sweeping the three chariots with a golden broom to signify humility and equality before the Lord.

After the completion of all rituals, lakhs of devotees gathered along the Grand Road pulled the towering chariots towards the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 km from the main Jagannath Temple. The deities will remain at the Gundicha Temple for nine days before returning to the sanctum during the Bahuda Yatra.

Despite intermittent heavy rain, the spiritual fervour remained undiminished as devotees from across India and abroad thronged Puri to witness the annual festival, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.