Thousands take part in Puri Rath Yatra

Thousands of devotees poured in to Puri with religious fervour and enthusiasm to take part in the grand spectacle of the annual Rath Yatra keeping in with centuries old tradition of pulling majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother and sister.

People from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town to have a glimpse of the presiding deities of the Sri Jagannath temple.

Since early morning thousands of devotees kept pouring in to watch the ceremony and pull the three colourful chariots on the 'bada danda', the Grand Avenue, where security personnel were deployed in strength to prevent any untoward incident.

Text: PTI

Image: Chariots are being pulled during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri on Sunday, July 3, 2011. (Photographs copyright PTI)