Bhubaneswar, June 29 -- World-famous Snana Purnima, the opening rituals of the annual Rath Yatra, concluded peacefully in Puri on Monday as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the sacred bathing ceremony and the sacred Hati Besha of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

Favourable weather this year added to the festive spirit, drawing an overwhelming number of pilgrims to the holy town. The 15-day seclusion (Anabasara ritual) is to begin tomorrow.

As per the temple tradition, the ceremonial Pahandi procession began around 5.00 AM, with Lord Sudarshan leading the procession, followed by Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and finally Lord Jagannath to the Snana Mandap.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb performed the c...