Puri, July 16 -- The holy town of Puri is witnessing immense spiritual fervour on Thursday as the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins.

Lakhs of devotees have gathered along the Grand Road (Badadanda) to witness the grand procession and catch a glimpse of the deities as they embark on their majestic chariots.

In a meticulously coordinated ritual, the deities are being brought out from the sanctum sanctorum in a grand procession known as Pahandi.

As per age-old tradition, Lord Jagannath's weapon, Lord Sudarshan, is the first to be brought out to the chariots. He is followed by Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and finally, Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe.

Before being placed on their respective wooden chariots, the d...