Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is an important Hindu festival celebrated every year in the city of Puri, in the Indian state of Odisha. The festival is celebrated on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July) and marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from their temple to their aunt’s place, located about 2 km away.
The main attraction of the Rath Yatra festival is the chariot procession, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out of their temple and placed on beautifully decorated chariots. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri to their aunt’s place. The chariots are huge and ornate, with intricate carvings and decorations. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, called the Nandighosa, is the largest and stands at a height of 45 feet. The chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra, called the Taladhwaja and Devadalana respectively, are also impressive in their own right.
The chariot procession is accompanied by devotional songs, music, and dance performances by the devotees. People from all over India and the world come to witness the Rath Yatra festival and to participate in the chariot procession. It is believed that participating in the Rath Yatra festival and pulling the chariots is a highly meritorious act, and it is said to grant the devotees blessings and spiritual benefits.
The history of Rath Yatra dates back to ancient times. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and their journey to their aunt’s place represents a symbolic visit to their maternal home. According to legend, Lord Jagannath had a desire to visit his birthplace, so his devotees built chariots for him, and the tradition of the Rath Yatra festival was born.
The Rath Yatra festival is not just limited to Puri. It is celebrated in other parts of India and the world, where there is a significant Hindu population. In cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad, the Rath Yatra festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. In fact, the Rath Yatra festival in Kolkata is one of the oldest and most famous Rath Yatras outside of Puri.
Apart from the chariot procession, the Rath Yatra festival is also marked by other religious rituals and ceremonies. On the day before the chariot procession, a ceremony called ‘Chhera Pahara’ is performed, where the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariots with a golden broom and sprinkles them with sandalwood water and flowers. This ceremony signifies the humility and devotion of the devotees towards Lord Jagannath.
The Rath Yatra festival is also associated with the famous Jagannath temple in Puri. The temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is believed that Lord Jagannath resides in the temple, and the chariot procession is a way for his devotees to pay their respects and seek his blessings.
In conclusion, Rath Yatra is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to their aunt’s place. The chariot procession is the main attraction of the festival and is accompanied by devotional songs, music, and dance performances. The festival is celebrated not just in Puri but also in other parts of India and the world.
