Jagannath Rath Yatra 2012 Begins in Puri and Gujarat [PHOTOS]

The much-awaited annual Jagannath Rath Yatra or the Car festival began on Thursday morning in Puri in Orissa and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

More than 10 lakh devotees are expected to attend the huge Hindu festival associated with lord Jagannath.

This festival is celebrated on Ashad Shukla Dwitiya, the second day in bright fortnight of Ashad month and marks Lord Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha mata's temple in Puri.

In Puri, the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldev and their sister Devi Subhadra began amidst tight security from Shreemandir to Gundicha mata's temple on Thursday (June 21) and will end on June 29.

Highly structured security arrangements have been put in place to avoid any accidents. Although the city has not faced any problems during the yatra in the past, police officials don't want to take any chances this year also.

Police have warned people to beware of possible terror strike during these nine days and also urged people to inform them in case they find anything suspicious.   

"There is a general threat perception of terror attack during Rath Yatra and people should be alert," MM Praharaj, Director General of Police (Odisha) said.

More than eight thousand security men have been deployed including coast guard patrols off the coast.