The Lord is their major reason for cheer but at times, the rath yatra does get on the nerves of those living in the vicinity of the Jagannath temple in Puri.

On Monday, many who live in this part of the city looked relieved, not only to be able to welcome the deities of the Jagannath temple back home but also since the nine-day festival is set to end and they would be able to return to their regular lives in a couple of days.

During rath yatra, the city plays host to more than 10 lakh devotees. Such a huge congregation hampers the daily routine of the people who live in the lanes near Jagannath temple.

“Almost all adult members of the families in our sahi (bylane) pay a visit to Lord Jagannath at his abode the first thing in the morning. It is walking distance and this makes for a very positive beginning of the day,” said Purnima Mahapatra, a 45-year-old local resident.

“But just before rath yatra, the deities fall sick, they go into hibernation and then leave their house for a week. For almost a month, our daily lives go upside down,” she said.

The huge rush everywhere in the town and the claim of other devotees over the deities also bothers the local people. That apart, they also face major issues such as rise in prices of vegetables and other commodities of daily use. There is garbage everywhere — outside the houses as well as on the main roads. High security and strict traffic rules also make life difficult for these people.

“Rath yatra is a great and unique festival. But it also causes us a lot of frustration. We face hardships from all quarters during this period,” said Sudhir Ray, another local resident.

Bahuda yatra is a favourite of the people residing on this side of the city. Musician Prafulla Kar, who grew up in Puri near the Jagannath temple, said rath yatra tests their patience in all ways, but bahuda is the occasion of rejoicing since the deities come back and normalcy is soon to return. Mahari dancer Rupashree Mohapatra, who lives very close to the temple, said visiting the temple every day as part of a daily chore would make life good again.

“Of all the rituals and special days of this festival, we love suna besha the best. That is when we all visit the site where the deities on their chariots flaunt their gold jewellery and unparalleled grandeur. And once they are in the temple we can return to our normal lives too,” said Ruapshree.

The suna besha, that takes place on the day following bahuda, will be held on Tuesday and the deities will return to the sanctum on Wednesday.