Thousands of devotees in Puri pulled giant chariots towards Gundicha temple, marking the beginning of the annual festival. The President and other dignitaries participated in the ritual, symbolically pulling the chariots. The procession included religious songs, dance performances, and millions of devotees from various regions. The Chief Minister received advice from the Shankaracharya and the deities were taken to their chariots amid traditional rituals. Security measures were tight with AI-based cameras and fire tenders deployed.
