More than 1000 people have gathered to participate in Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha, beginning today at the 12-century iconic shrine of Lord Jagannath.

“Greatest festival of the Supreme Lord is Rath Yatra which happens every year. For the last two years, devotees’ participation was barred due to the pandemic but is allowed this year. The media reported,” Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb is expecting massive public participation today.

Rath Yatra is the trinity of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath. This will take place with full public participation after a hiatus of two years due to COVID-19. It will culminate on July 9, 2022. The security has been very tight in place for this mega event.

“We expect a large gathering of about 10 lakh on Ratha Yatra as people are allowed to participate in the festival after a gap of two years,” media reported.

Meanwhile, sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik made 125 sand chariots to mark the rath yatra festival that commences from today.