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Rath Yatra is a famous chariot festival celebrated in the coastal town of Orissa in eastern India. It is held at the Puri Jagannath temple and is known as one of the largest religious ceremonies in India. The festival celebrates Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is also the origin of the English word “Jaggernaut.”
This year, the festival will be celebrated on July 10th, Wednesday, where people from all over the world gather to honor and enjoy the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. The annual festival is held on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Ashad month.
During Rath Yatra, the idols of Lord Puri Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken in a procession to the Gundicha temple where they stay for the next nine days. This return journey is known as “Bahuda Yatra.” Another festival called “Chandan Jatra” marks the beginning of Rath Yatra festival when the making of new chariots and sandalwood painting begins.
Rath Yatra takes around nine days to cover the entire distance after the “Rath Pratishtha” invoking ceremony in the morning. Millions of pilgrims visit the sites on the way to escort the Lord. Artisans, craftsmen, and weavers engage in making a fresh new wooden chariot for the Lord, three chariots for each of the deities.
Darshan of Lord Jagannath on the chariot is considered very auspicious for a bright future, and touching the Rath makes the life of the worshipper prosperous. Rath Yatra holds great significance in Hindu mythology and especially to the people of Orissa, making it the most joyful and biggest ritual ceremony for the dedicated devotees of the Lord.
Rath Yatra is also called “Gundicha Jatra,” “Ghosa Jatra,” “Navadina Jatra,” or “Dasavatara Jatra.” It is a festival that is celebrated with great devotion and fervor, and it is a truly incredible sight to behold.
Date: June | July
Location: Puri
State: Orissa
