Puri

Editor's Note

This is the land where faith leads to nirvana... And so believe the locals and devotees who throng this holy land year after year. Home to Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath, this land reaffirms the faith that there is a force greater than all else. As you walk on the golden sands of one of the most sought-after beaches, catch a glimpse of the red flag fluttering atop the Jagannath Temple, signifying that 'the Lord is within'. This is the land where millions of devotees reach every year to pull the royal chariots of the Lord, Balabhadra and Subhadra during the annual Rath Yatra Festival and this is where the Lord visits his aunt and enjoys being pampered by sweetmeats. Much of the old world Puri remains - in its winding lanes, stalls lining the beautiful beach and the numerous festivals celebrated in honour of the Lord. Dominated by the heavenly forces, you must set aside at least 3 days to move around Puri. And while you're here, enjoy your share of the mahaprasad or great holy food, which is nothing less than 56 different varieties of foods! Little wonder then that the Lord of the Universe presides here...