Lord Jagannath returns to sanctum sanctorum of 12th-century temple

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended his best wishes to all on the occasion of 'Neeladri Bije' and 'Rasagola Divas' on Saturday

Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath returned to the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century shrine here in a special ritual called Niladri Bije on Saturday, winding up the world famous Rath Yatra in the absence of devotees due to Covid-19 pandemic.

'Niladri Bije' marked the concluding ritual of the historic car festival which had commenced on June 23 when the celestial siblings embarked upon a nine-day sojourn to Shree Gundicha Temple, regarded as their birthplace, through the Grand Road in three majestic wooden chariots in this seaside pilgrim town amid curfew and tight security due to Covid crisis.

After undertaking their