Little chariots

While the Trinity travelled to the Gundicha Temple in their huge chariots, images of the deities moved around in the alleys of the holy town in little chariots pulled by children. Around 50 such small handmade chariots rolled in various lanes and by-lanes. For the little ones, who could not make their ways amid the crowd, chose to take their deities on a ride in their little chariots.

Fare help

The government had put up current bus fare charts at various stands and shelter places. The decision was taken to make 
people aware about the existing fares so that the bus operators would not be able to fleece them. It is a common practice during festivals when bus operators try to cash in on by hiking the fare. Some of them demand excessive fares and harass people. The devotees and tourists were happy with the help.

Abhada torani

Streets and lanes of Puri were filled with people, especially local residents, offering Abhada torani, a cool drink, to thirsty 
devotees who were sweating it out in the heat. 

It is a traditional drink that is popular in Puri. When asked, locals said for them it was a way of serving the Lord.

Water relief

Fire service personnel had a lot to keep them busy on Saturday. They had to constantly use the hoses and sprinkle water on devotees who were struggling to cope with the sweltering heat and high humidity. Over 15 such sprinklers were deployed at different places along the Grand Road to help the devotees beat the heat. Besides, several volunteers also used small hand-held water sprayers to spray water. Along with the water kiosks that were providing drinking water, these water sprayers were also doing a great job for the devotees.

Help at hand

The lifeguards were on their toes as a large number of devotees were taking dip in the sea from the early 
morning. Several makeshift shelters or Nabakalebar villages were constructed on the beach and all the occupants took bath in the sea. There were around 350 such lifeguards, along with the permanent officials, guarding the beach and looking after the devotees.

By God’s grace 

Men dressed as Lord Shiva and Hanuman also joined the huge gathering. They performed various acrobats inside the cordoned area around the chariots. While the man dressed as Shiva performed Natraj dance to entertain the crowd, the hanuman earned applause from the crowd by chanting Ram’s name.