Puri Car festival kicks off amid tight security

Puri, June 27 : Amid tight security, the nine-day sojourn of the presiding deities of Jagannath temple -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balavadra and Devi Subhadra -- began here this morning with the chanting of 'haribol' and clanging of cymbals in the presence of lakhs of devotees.

The three-km-long ''bada danda''(grand road) from the Lions Gate of the 12th century edifice to the Gundicha temple was lined with people, who came to see the world famous car festival.

Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balavadra and sister Devi Subhadra were offered ''gopal bhog''(breakfast) after the rituals before being taken out from the ''Ratnavedi'' of the sanctum sanctorum in a ceremonial 'pahandi bije' to their well-decorated chariots parked outside the temple.

The temple servitors took the deities on their shoulders from the temple amidt blowing of conch shells through Ananda Bazar and the ''baishi Pahacha'' to the chariots through the Lions Gate under tight security.

As per rituals, Lord Balavadra was first taken out of the 'ratna vedi' and installed in the chariot called 'Taladhawaja' through the ceremonial 'pahandi bije', followed by Devi Subhadra to the 'Darpadalan Chariot' and finally Lord Jagannath, popularly called 'kalia' by lakhs of devotees, to the 'Nandighosh' chariot.

The devotees thronged the Lions Gate for a glimpse of the three presiding deities boarding the chariots to begin their nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha temple.

As a special security arrangement, bomb disposal units, dog squad, snipers, long range movie cameras, besides, close circuit TVs were deployed to face any eventuality in the ensuing Car festival. Director General of Police (Fire Brigade and Home Guards) Amarananda Pattnaik was appointed as security in-charge of the car festival to monitor special security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.

As per the contingency plan, huge metal detector frames had been installed at the Sri Jagannath temple and Gundicha temple gates.

Snipers were posted at roof tops equipped with binoculars.

Four long range movie cameras were installed at various positions along the grand road to monitor the movement of pilgrims. Close circuit TV cameras were also installed in the temple complex.

Three companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in the holy city to render their services.

According to Puri Superintendent of Police Sanjib Panda, 62 platoons of OSAP, 9 Additional SPs, 42 DSPs, 120 Inspectors, 500 Sub -Inspectors and 240 other rank policemen, besides, 900 home guards and RPF personnel had been engaged in the festival.

Six temporary police outposts had been set up at various places to cater to the need of the visitors. A number of armed patrol units were pressed into service in the entire city to react to any incident at a short notice he added.

Over six lakh to eight lakh visitors are expected to congregate in the city.

UNI