Devotees gather near chariots carrying statues of Hindu Gods Jagannath and Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra during the annual Hindu festival of Rath Yatra, or chariot procession, in Puri, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Bhubaneshwar on June 24, 2009. Devotees from across the country crowded to participate in the annual religious procession outside the temple of Jagannath, who is considered by Hindus to be the lord of the universe. (AP)