Puri, July 15 -- Braving torrential rains, lakhs of devotees are pouring into the pilgrim town of Puri by trains, buses and private vehicles to witness the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Thursday.
Heavy rains have pounded the holy city, with 168 mm of rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours, flooding several low-lying areas and busties. Yet, the inclement weather has failed to dampen the spirit of devotees converging on Puri for the grand annual chariot festival.
The railway accommodation facility for nearly 25,000 people is almost full, while households across the town are packed with guests. Under a thickly overcast sky, Fire Services and Public Health Department personnel are working round-the-clock to dra...