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This year, the Jagannath Yatra in Odisha will be a special two-day event, a rare occurrence due to a unique celestial arrangement. After 53 years, devotees will have the opportunity to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra twice during the Rath Yatra. The last time this happened was in 1971.
The usual 15-day 'Anasara' period, when the deities rest after being bathed with 108 pitchers of holy water on Snana Purnima, is reduced to 13 days this year according to the almanac. This change means that the 'Nabajaubana Darshan,' a ritual where devotees can see the deities, will not take place as usual.
To mark this unique event, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a two-day holiday for the Rath Yatra on July 7 and 8. This decision came after a high-level meeting to ensure smooth arrangements for the festival. Majhi emphasized the significance of this two-day celebration and its occurrence during the current BJP government's term. He directed officials to declare public holidays to allow people to fully participate in the festivities.
Majhi also highlighted the importance of proper arrangements to uphold the pride of Puri and Odisha. He urged all officials to make sure that the festival is conducted smoothly.
Adding to the excitement, President Droupadi Murmu is expected to join the Rath Yatra festivities. According to the Chief Minister, she is likely to arrive in Puri on the evening of July 6 and participate in the chariot-pulling ceremony and celebrations on July 7.
This year's Jagannath Yatra is not just a religious event but also a celebration of a rare celestial phenomenon. The two-day event is set to be a grand affair, bringing joy and a sense of privilege to devotees. It marks a significant moment in Odisha's cultural and spiritual calendar.
