Lakhs witness Lord Jagannath's return car festival at Puri

Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri today to witness 'Bahuda Yatra', the return car festival of Lord Jagannath which was held amid tight security.
Wrapping up their nine-day sojourn to their aunt's abode, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Devi Subhadra set off for their return journey to the 12th century shrine on three majestic wooden chariots.
Several special rituals were performed before the deities journeyed out of the Gundicha temple to the three colourfully decorated chariots for the return journey as the sound of 'Jai Jagannath' rent the air.

The three deities were taken to the chariots in an elaborate royal ritual called 'Pahandi' to the beating of gongs, cymbals and blowing of conch shells as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a closer look.
Lord Jagannath was ensconced in the largest of the chariots, 45-feet high 'Nandighosh' which has 16 huge wooden wheels.