The Annual Rath Yatra has negun across the Country  with vigor and Sprituality in most parts of India today. Millions of pilgrims have thronged the streets of Puri to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Balaram or Subhadra.  About 15 lakh devotees are visiting Puri  for the famous 9 Day Festival.
The festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, deities from the 12th century Jagannath Temple, in three colourfully deckedup wooden chariots to the temple of Devi Gundicha (their aunt). The celebration ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra (return journey) to their temple.
As the chariots rolled at 3pm, the sea of crowd moved in unison, like waves, singing, dancing and waving hands. The chariots reached the Gundicha Temple, about two kilometres away, three hours later.
If you are unable to visit Puri, you can view it online by Clicking here
In Kolkata, CMÂ Mamata Banerjee tugged the rope of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra to throw open the annual Rath Yatra organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Banerjee, who took part in the rituals, distributed prasadam before lending a hand to pull the rope of the chariots. The chariots would be kept at the Brigade Parade Ground for the next seven days before making the return journey or Ulta Rath.
“Today, the nation is celebrating Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra. I am also participating in Ratha Yatra at Kolkata. Lord Jagannath helps in overcoming obstacles, evils and forge ahead with courage and right conscience,” she said.
“My prayer to the Lord is to seek blessings to usher in peace, prosperity, happiness and awakening conscience in this beautiful world,” Banerjee posted on Facebook.
In Ahmedabad Gujarat, CM Narendra Modi flagged off the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath