<p>The holy city of Bodhgaya was soaked in intense devotion and spiritual ecstasy on Thursday as the historic *Lord Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra* was pulled out with immense grandeur and religious fervor. Thousands of devotees from across the region gathered near the historic *Shri Jagannath Temple* to catch a glimpse of the deities and participate in the grand annual procession.<br /> The sacred chariots carried the idols of *Lord Shri Jagannath, his elder brother **Lord Balabhadra, and their sister **Goddess Subhadra. The entire atmosphere resounded with spiritual chants, drum beats, and the joyous echoing of *&quot;Jai Jagannath&quot;** as devotees eagerly pulled the holy ropes of the chariot to seek divine blessings.</p> <p>*Sequence of Morning Rituals &amp; Vedic Chants*<br /> The religious proceedings began early in the morning following strict traditional rituals:<br /> &nbsp;*08:00 AM &ndash; 10:00 AM (Special Adornment &amp; Offerings):*<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp;The day commenced with elaborate *Shringar* (adornment) of the deities, followed by high-level morning prayers and the offering of *Mahaprasad*.<br /> &nbsp;*10:00 AM &ndash; 11:00 AM (Vedic Havan &amp; Rath Puja):*<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp;Vedic scholars and temple priests conducted the sacred *Rath Puja* and *Havan* amidst the chanting of powerful Vedic mantras to sanctify the holy chariot.<br /> &nbsp;*11:30 AM (Mangal Aarti &amp; Seating of Deities):*<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp;Following the auspicious *Mangal Aarti*, the holy idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra were traditionally escorted and seated upon the grand chariot.<br /> &nbsp;*03:00 PM (Start of the Rath Yatra):*<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp;The main procession officially flagged off from the temple premises as thousands of hands pulled the divine chariot through the designated routes.</p> <p>*Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar Performs &#39;Chhera Pahara&#39; Ritual*<br /> A major highlight before the commencement of the Yatra was the ceremonial *&#39;Chhera Pahara&#39;* ritual. *Bihar Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar* humbly swept the path in front of Lord Jagannath&rsquo;s chariot with a golden-handled broom, upholding the centuries-old tradition that symbolizes humility before God&mdash;demonstrating that even the highest authority is but a humble servant of the Lord.</p>