Puri, July 12 -- Preparations are underway in full swing at the Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, with the shrine being decorated to welcome Lord Jagannath and his siblings, who will stay there for seven days during the chariot festival beginning on July 16.

The Gundicha Temple, regarded as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath, becomes the temporary abode of the deities after they travel from the Shree Jagannath Temple during the grand Rath Yatra, one of India's largest religious festivals.

Temple authorities and the Odisha government have intensified preparations as thousands of devotees are expected to arrive in Puri for the annual celebration. Arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth conduct of ritu...