PURI, INDIA, July 1, 2003: Millions of devotees converged in Puri Tuesday to participate in the annual chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The three chariots bearing the murthis of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were pulled through the main streets of the town and taken to Gundicha temple. The Deities will remain there until July 9 and then journey back to the Jagannath temple. Bells were rung and devotees sang devotional songs as the three presiding Deities were taken out of the sanctum sanctorum and ceremoniously placed on the decorated chariots. The celebrations took place amid tight security. Metal detectors were installed at entrance to the Jagannath temple and “spotters” were stationed at strategic points to prevent terrorists from sneaking in disguised as pilgrims.
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