Toshali Sands

Lord Lingaraj’s Rath Yatra

The annual journey of Lord Lingaraj to Mausi Maa began on April 20 know as the “Ashokatami” festival. This year it witnessed many devotees but lesser in a number in-comparision to last year. Because the rising mercury confined many people to their homes during day time.

Following the rituals of this festival first ‘Pahandi’ (the deity adjoining the chariot) was observed as per the schedule. The journey to the Mausi Maa Mandir began at 3 pm after the arrival of devotees. With the temperature hovering around 40 degrees the devotees took shelter in the nearby shops and along the walls of Lingaraja Temple. And at around 4 pm people gathered here and the chariot named Rukuna started rolling.

After reaching Mausi Maa, the deity stayed there for four days. On April 24 the return journey was celebrated with much ardor and devotion. This festival of Lord Lingaraj is also celebrated at Sakhigopal of Puri with much enthusiasm.