Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Devotees from across the world have gathered in Puri to witness the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, as the grand chariots of the three deities--Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra--make their way to the Gundicha temple, where the deities will reside for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

A woman devotee of Ecuadorian origin, currently residing in the United States, expressed her joy at attending the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri for the first time. Calling it a 'dream come true,' she said she felt blessed to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath and to share the spiritual experience with fellow devotees.

Speaking to ANI, she said, 'We are really happy that today we will take darshan of Lord Jagannath. This is our first time here. I feel completely happy. It is a dream come true to take darshan and share our devotion with the others here.'

A devotee from Bangladesh said the festival is a special opportunity to revive their love for Lord Krishna by taking part in the rituals and pulling the sacred chariots, '...This is a chance to revive our love for Lord Krishna by attending this festival and pulling the chariots.'

A sea of devotees gathered outside the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri as the grand annual Rath Yatra festival began today.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the first-ever Rath Yatra at the recently inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha is also set to begin. The procession will follow a one-kilometre route, with chariots modelled on those in Puri.

ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das said the festival is inspired by the Puri Rath Yatra and added that West Bengal Chief Minister will join the event at 2 pm.

Speaking to ANI, Radharamn Das said, 'Digha Jagannath Yatra is inspired by Puri Rath Yatra. Here too, the chariots of the deities have been made similar to those in Puri. In a few moments, the Lord will come to his chariot, and the Rath Yatra will begin. The Chief Minister will come here at 2 pm.'

While at ISCKON Kolkata, Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Goddess Subhadra are being taken to their chariots for the Rath Yatra. (ANI)