Bhubaneswar, April 2 -- Preparations for the annual Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings commenced on Thursday with the retrieval of submerged boats from the Narendra Pushkarini ahead of the festival on Chaitra Shukla Purnima. The boats, which remain underwater throughout the year, were being taken out for repair and use during the 21-day ritual beginning from Akshaya Tritiya.

Bhoi servitors pulled out the submerged boats on as part of the preparations. Three boats, along with the oars named Nanda, Bhadra and Baijantri, were brought out. The 'Baijantri chapa' moves in the front carrying traditional musical instruments, while Nanda and Bhadra follow behind.

After being retrieved, the boats will undergo repair and painting bef...