The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
ANGUL, JULY 5, 2025
Jindal Nagar and its neighbouring villages in Angul reverberated with chants of devotion and spiritual euphoria as thousands of devotees came together to celebrate the sacred occasion of Bahuda Yatra — the divine return journey of the Holy Trinity: Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Mahaprabhu Jagannath, and Lord Sudarshan from the Gundicha Temple to their original sanctum at the Jagannath Temple, Jindal Nagar.
Amidst a sea of emotion and devotion, Shallu Jindal, the Pratham Sevika of Mahaprabhu, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, and spouse of Naveen Jindal — Pratham Sevak, three-time Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power — performed the revered rituals of Chhera Panhara and Pahandi Bije. With humility and deep spiritual reverence, she embodied the Jagannath tradition of servitude before divinity, symbolising the noble surrender of the highest to the Lord of the Universe.
The sacred proceedings began at 5:00 AM with Mangal Aarati, followed by Mailam, Tadap Lagi, Abakash Neeti, and other traditional rites conducted under the devout supervision of Chief Priest Srikant Ji. Every ritual was executed with meticulous attention, preserving the sanctity and heritage of the age-old Jagannath Sampradaya.
A remarkable display of community spirit was witnessed as devotees and residents of Jindal Nagar united to pull the magnificently decorated chariots, their hearts overflowing with faith, devotion, and divine joy.
As per tradition, the deities will remain ensconced on their chariots for the next three days to bless devotees during the observances of Sunabesha (Golden Attire) on Sunday, Adharapana on Monday, and Neeladri Bije on Tuesday — marking the formal conclusion of the Rath Yatra festivities.
