Sudarshan loses chain

Goons snatched a gold chain of sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik near Taldhawaj, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra at Badasankh, during the bahuda yatra in Puri on Thursday. Along with the chain was a locket bearing miniature images of Lord Jagannath and Ganesha, which he considered lucky. “I had got the chain at the time of my marriage and the locket has been my lucky charm,” said the artist.  

Woman injured

A middle-aged woman was injured, while two others suffered minor injuries in a minor stampede during the bahuda yatra on Thursday. The incident occurred when Lord Jagannath was being taken up to his chariot by the servitors from Gundicha Temple. The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital by the volunteers.  

Ministers on their toes

Law minister Arun Sahu and technical education minister Sanjay Das Burma were seen taking note of preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. They spoke to the director general of police K.B. Singh regarding crowd management. They also pulled the chariot along with other devotees.

Devotion at its peak

A sadhu came all the way from Mysore with a 10-ft tall incense stick that he had especially got made for the festival. The stick was lighted in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath. The stick costs around Rs 7,000 and will burn 
continuously for 72 hours.

Sangeet samaroh

A devotional programme was held outside the cordoned area in front of the Gundicha Temple. Popular singers from across the state performed at the event. Eminent singers such as Laxmikant Palit sang classic devotional songs. For the devotees, who were waiting to witness the proceedings and pull the chariots, the bhajans helped to keep spirits high.

Banati star

A seven-year-old banati artiste awed visitors with her skills. Jasashree Samal has been learning the art for over two years and plans to perform every year. Unlike previous years when men ruled the open-air stage in front of the chariots, this time a number of women artistes staged various art forms. They were seen dancing to the beats of traditional instruments and showcasing Odissi recitals.

Sevayats go click!

For young servitors, it was time to frame the moment forever. They were seen clicking selfies near the chariots. They also posed with other devotees. Senior sevayats, however, asked them to stop. Policemen present in the cordoned off area were also seen taking pictures with each other with the chariots in the background.

Rath for kids

Little idols of the deities moved around in the alleys of the holy town in small chariots pulled by children. Around 35 such small chariots were seen in various alleys. Many tourists were seen giving offerings to the deities in the little chariots and joining the kids in their fun.

Rain cover 

The information centres and other kiosks put up by the government agencies, private bodies and voluntary organisations around the Gundicha Temple became shelter homes when rain lashed Puri. Every time it rained, devotees were seen scampering under the polythene covers of these structures.

Junior daitapatis

It was a rare sight during bahuda on Thursday when junior daitapatis aged between eight and 10 were seen pulling 
the Lords into the chariots along with their seniors. They were also seen distributing tulsi leaves and prasad to the devotees. 

Turi player

It was serving time for 55-year-old Kamalakant Samal who came from Mahanga to welcome Lord Jagannath with his turi (a blowing instrument). His turi is named Gandharv. Samal plays the instrument in almost all programmes across the state. He is doing the same job for the past 15 years. 

Good Samaritans

Many young volunteers worked hard to maintain cleanliness in the area. Some were busy lifting garbage, while some were seen distributing water to thirsty devotees and security personnel. Some were also seen sprinkling water on the people to save them from dehydration.

Compiled by Anwesha Ambaly and Sandeep Mishra