Keonjhar, July 17 (UDN): Lakhs of devotees gathered in Keonjhar to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Shri Baladev Jew as the world’s tallest single wooden chariot, Nandighosha, moved through the town amid chants, devotional music and traditional rituals.
Standing at 72 feet tall and 46 feet wide, the 16-wheeled Nandighosha remains the centre of attraction of Keonjhar’s historic Rath Yatra. The magnificent wooden chariot draws devotees from across Odisha and neighbouring regions, showcasing the district’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
The festival is known for its unique traditions deeply connected with the region’s heritage. The chariot is pulled using ropes made from Siali creepers by members of the Bhuyan community, a practice preserved through generations. Another distinctive feature of the celebration is the representation of Goddess Subhadra in a vermilion shade, reflecting the traditional practices associated with the region.
The celebrations began with the ceremonial Pahandi procession, during which the deities were brought out from the temple and placed on the chariot. The traditional Chhera Pahanra ritual was performed before the chariot began its journey along the Grand Road.
Despite challenging weather conditions, devotees participated in large numbers and joined the chariot procession with enthusiasm and devotion. The celebrations created a vibrant atmosphere of faith, tradition and community participation.
The Lord Baladev Jew Temple, considered one of the most prominent Vishnu temples in the region, remained the focal point of the festivities and attracted pilgrims throughout the event.
The district administration made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Security personnel were deployed, crowd management measures were implemented and emergency response teams, including ambulances and fire services, remained on standby.
Several voluntary organisations also supported the event by providing drinking water, refreshments and prasad to devotees along the procession route.
The Keonjhar Rath Yatra once again highlighted Odisha’s rich spiritual traditions and the enduring devotion of thousands of pilgrims who gathered to be part of the historic celebration.
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