Keonjhar: Thousands of devotees witnessed Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath returning to their abode from Sri Gundicha temple on their 72ft-tall chariot ‘Nandighosh’ — claimed to be the world’s tallest — during the return car festival in Keonjhar on Friday.With favourable weather, devotees began gathering from morning. After the morning rituals, ‘pahandi’ began around noon amid chants of ‘Haribol’ and ‘sankirtan’, ringing of bells and ululation echoing along Bada Danda. Chariot pulling by the devotees began in the afternoon, reaching Sri Baladejew Temple before dusk. A large crowd gathered in the evening for the ‘darshan’ of the chariot.The district administration and police deployed personnel and senior officers to ensure orderly conduct, with support from voluntary groups and govt agencies.Local organisations, including Gopaljeu Math and Keonjhar School of Engineering, arranged free food and water with volunteers serving the devotees. Govt departments also set up awareness pavilions, while bhajan programmes, cultural events and a Meena Bazaar added to the festivities.Meanwhile, preparations were underway for ‘Suna Besha’ on Saturday, when the deities will give ‘darshan’ in special attire. The deities are scheduled to descend from the chariot and return to the temple on Sunday.
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