In Odisha, the world-famous return car festival 'Bahuda Rath Yatra' of Lord Sri Jagannath, Sri Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra is going on at Puri. The pulling of three chariots will begin shortly as the 'Pahandi' of three deities from the 'Aadapa Mandapa' in Gundicha Temple to the chariots has been completed.

Gajapati King of Puri Dibyasingha Deb will sweep the three chariots with golden broom known as 'Chhera Pahanra' and then the three chariots will be pulled in the Grand Road 'Bada Danda' in Puri to Lion's Gate 'Singha Dwar' of Sri Jagannath Temple.

The return car festival or the Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabahdra and Devi Subhadra is one of the main events in the world-famous Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. It is also the end of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra.

As per the annually performed ceremony, the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra visit Gundicha Temple and stay in 'Adapa Mandapa' for a week.

After the stay of seven days, the chariots return to Puri Jagannath Temple on the ninth day. This year, Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra took place on 21st of this month and the Bahuda Yatra is being held today.

During the Bahuda Yatra, three chariots visit 'Mausi Maa' Temple where Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are offered 'Poda Pitha', one type of pancake.

The presiding deity of 'Mausi Maa' Temple is the aunt of Lord Jagannath. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police for the 'Bahuda Yatra' following intelligence reports that some banned militant organisations have planned to attack the festival considering the huge gathering of lakhs of devotees from different parts of the world.