action force
have been deployed in and around the holy
town in order to make the Yatra trouble-free
on Monday.
In a bid to prevent any terrorist attacks,
dog squads have been pressed into service
to detect any hidden explosive materials.
A special contingency plan has been formulated
to meet any eventuality.
Policemen in plain clothes are scanning
the visitors arriving at the railway stations
and bus terminals.
To keep vigil on the crowd a number of high
resolution electronic cameras have been
installed at various places along the Grand
Road, the venue of the Yatra.
The temple administration has also made
arrangements to deploy video cameras to
record all movements in the three chariots
throughout the festival to keep track of
the outsiders.
According to the temple authorities, the
ceremonial `Pahandi' will be held at 9.30
am on Monday after observance of a complex
set of rituals like Mangal Aarati, Surya
Pooja and offering of Gopal Bhog.
On the other side, the temple Purohit would
complete the consecration homa of the three
chariots by 8.45 am. Pahandi is scheduled
to be over by 12.30 pm.
The ceremonial "Chherapahanra"
by Gajapati King Divyasingh Deo was slated
for completion by 3 pm. The pulling of the
chariots would begin by 4 pm.
The Bahuda (return car festival) is scheduled
for July 24 and the Sunabesha is fixed for
July 26.
The countdown for the Rath Yatra begins
from Snan Purnima with the holy bath of
the trio on the bathing altar and their
recline to Anasar (room for the sick) for
15 days. The deities appear for public darshan
a day before the Rath Yatra. The ceremony
is called `Navayouvan Darshan'.
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