Bhubaneswar: April 14: People of Capital City Bhubaneswar celebrated Ashokastami today. This is the day, the Rukuna Rath is drawn to Rameswar Temple.
To witness the occasion, thousands of people gathered to watch Pulling of Rukuna Rath (Lord Lingaraj’s chariot). Scorching heat of the current days could not make them remaining away from this great festival.
After Mangala Alati and Abakasha Niti were performed, followed by Sahanamela, the three deities Chandrasekhara(representation of Lord Lingaraj), Rukmini and Basudeva were ceremoniously brought to ascent the Chariot. Then, Pulling of Chariot begins at 4 pm today.
15 platoons of police force is deployed to maintain law and order during the pulling of the chariot. Sources said two additional DCP, 26 ACPs, 93 police officers, including inspectors, 70 home guards and 70 constables are deployed on law and order duty during the chariot pulling. Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi is supervising the arrangements.
The deities will reach at Rameswar Temple at 7pm around and remain there for 4 days. On 5th day, they will start return Journey.
