Brisk business anticipated ahead of Puri Jagannath Yatra

Puri, June 23 (ANI): Ahead of the world famous Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra or, chariot festival, which witnesses convergence of innumerous devotees from all around, local shopkeepers here anticipate a brisk business.

Shop owners and locals anticipate good profits during the annual chariot festival as they expect huge turnover of tourists this year as well.

Besides local shopkeepers, hoteliers also fetch some good earnings during the festival.

"We do good business during rath yatra (chariot festival). Earlier we used to earn around three thousand but now we earn up to rupees ten thousand," said Manoj Kumar, a local shopkeeper.

The chariot festival will begin on Wednesday (June 24. It is marked by an elaborate procession accompanied by great fanfare.

Amid tight security, the festival is celebrated by pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with sister Subhadra and brother Balram from the temple, through the city's decorated streets.

Hundreds of thousands of people converge here from all over the world to participate in the massive procession.

Authorities said that preparations have been in full swing for the festival and arrangements have been made for the benefit of the pilgrims.

"Hotel industry plays a major role in this Rath yatra (chariot festival) because they accommodate most of the tourists. This year also we are taking same steps as earlier," said Ashok Meena, Revenue Development Commissioner (RDC).

The Yatra is a round trip from the main temple to another nearby temple where the idols of the deities rest for seven days before their return to the main temple.

The Jagannath temple, about 60 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, is one of the holiest places for the Hindus in India. By Sarada Lahangir (ANI)