Bhubaneswar: The pulling of chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra was halted midway at Odisha’s Puri city on Thursday. The deities will resume their journey for Srigundicha temple on Friday (July 17).

The pulling of chariots was suspended for the day as night set in. Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra made a halt at Market Square while Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra stopped at Marichikote Square.

Nandighosa chariot of Lord Jagannath travelled a few metres away from the Lions’ Gate of the Puri temple.

Traditionally, the presiding deities of Srimandir embark on a journey to Srigundicha temple by riding their respective chariots for a nine-day sojourn on the occasion of Rath Yatra.

Servitors of the 12^th century shrine, devotees and police personnel first pulled Taladhwaja chariot on the Grand Road amid religious fervour and enthusiasm at around 5 pm, around an hour behind the schedule. Darpadalan and Nandighosa chariots followed Taladhwaja chariot.

The chariot pulling began after Puri King Dibyasingha Deb performed Chherapanhara (sweeping) ritual on the three chariots. The deities were brought to the chariots from the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir through the ceremonial Pahandi procession.

Lakhs of devotees from across the country and outside congregated at the Holy Town to witness the mega event.