Rath Yatra 2022: Vibrant chariot festival begins in Puri, thousands of devotees pay respect - in Pics
The Rath Yatra has been allowed this time after a gap of two years following the Covid-19 pandemic
Rath Yatra of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath is being held in Puri with full public participation after two years. Devotees from across the country started thronging Odisha's pilgrim town while three decorated chariots are parked in front of the 12th century shrine to be pulled today (July 1).
Rath Yatra: Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath
![Rath Yatra: Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra: Chariot Celebration of Lord Jagannath](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060018-lord-jagannath-zeemedia.jpg)
Rath Yatra in Puri, a vibrant celebration
![Rath Yatra in Puri, a vibrant celebration Rath Yatra in Puri, a vibrant celebration](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060017-rath-zeemedia2.jpg)
Rath Yatra 2022: Devotees throng the annual festival
![Rath Yatra 2022: Devotees throng the annual festival Rath Yatra 2022: Devotees throng the annual festival](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060016-rath-zeemedia1.jpg)
Rath Yatra 2022: Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's magnificent sand art
![Rath Yatra 2022: Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's magnificent sand art Rath Yatra 2022: Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's magnificent sand art](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060013-rath1-sudarshan-ians.jpg)
PM Modi extends wishes on Rath Yatra
![PM Modi extends wishes on Rath Yatra PM Modi extends wishes on Rath Yatra](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060012-modi-rath-wish.jpg)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted people on the occasion of the 'Rath Yatra' of Lord Jagannath, wishing that everyone is blessed with good health and happiness. "Greetings on the special day of Rath Yatra. We pray to Lord Jagannath for his constant blessings. May we all be blessed with good health and happiness," he tweeted.
Rath Yatra 2022 in Puri begins
![Rath Yatra 2022 in Puri begins Rath Yatra 2022 in Puri begins](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060009-rath2-ians-buy.jpg)
As per the schedule issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the procession activities will be completed by 12.30 noon while the titular king of Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb will perform 'Chhera Pahnra' (sweeping of three chariots) between 2.30 PM to 3.30 PM. The chariot pulling will start at 4 PM.
Heavy security in place for Rath Yatra in Puri
![Heavy security in place for Rath Yatra in Puri Heavy security in place for Rath Yatra in Puri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060008-puri-temple-rath-ani.jpg)
Artist creates miniature chariots
![Artist creates miniature chariots Artist creates miniature chariots](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060006-rath-miniature-ani.jpg)
Covid-19 impact: Devotees were denied entry for 2 years
![Covid-19 impact: Devotees were denied entry for 2 years Covid-19 impact: Devotees were denied entry for 2 years](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/01/1060002-rath-yatra-ani-1.jpg)