Rath Yatra

Puri Rath Yatra is a public procession with three wooden chariots or raths each hosting a Hindu god- Lord Jagannath with his weapon the Sudarshana Chakra, Balabhadra (his brother) and Subhadra (his sister) in Puri, Odisha. It is the an ancient tradition and considered the oldest chariot festival. It is certainly the largest of its kind being celebrated every year for a week in the month of June or July. The chariots are drawn by devotees from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha Temple and then return after nine days.

Ratha Yatra processions are not simply about religion. While they originated in Hindu traditions related to lord-Vishnu (like processions are carried out for Vishu avatars- Jagannath, Rama, Krishna), they've spread to Shiva-related traditions, saints and goddesses in Nepal, Jainism, and even tribal folk religions in eastern India. The processions are a big part of community heritage, social gatherings, and cultural identity for the people who organize and participate. There are various local rath yatra traditions like the Dhamrai Ratha Yatra in Bangladesh which is unique because it takes place on a boat or the yatra of Lord Lingaraj on a chariot from the Lingaraj Temple to the Rameswara Temple.

Ratha Yatra literally means chariot (rath) journey or pilgrimage (yatra). The Puri Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in the city of Puri in Odisha, India. It is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and is attended by millions of devotees from all over the world becoming a major tourist attraction. It is believed to have been started by King Indradyumna in the 12th century. The King is said to have had a dream in which the deities instructed him to build a temple for them in Puri. The King complied, and the Jagannath Temple was built.

• For Lord Jagannath: the lord of the universe.
• The festival begins from the second day of Shukla Paksha (bright half) in the month of Ashadha (June-July) every year
• Thousands of devotees eagerly participate in pulling the chariots, considered a holy act.
• Music and dance: The procession is accompanied by devotional music, singing, and traditional dance performances. Colorful stalls selling local delicacies and souvenirs line the streets throughout the festival.
• Poda Pitha offering: Offering of the sweet Poda Pitha dish.
• Three massive chariots are built anew every year using specific wood from trees like phassi and dhaus. Chariots have a unique construction with each having its own distinct design and symbolism. They are named Nandigosha (Lord Jagganath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra) and Darpadalana (Subhadra) respectively.
• Rituals and Processions:
  • Snana Yatra: Ritual bathing of the deities on the full moon day prior to the Rath Yatra.
  • Annasara Pattis: Public viewing of the deities through special painted cloth screens during the Snana Yatra.
  • Pahandi Vijay: Deities carried on palanquins from the temple to the chariots in a grand procession marked by chanting and dancing.
  • Chhera Pahara: The Gajapati King sweeps the path before the chariots as a symbolic gesture of humility and devotion.
  • Gundicha Yatra: Chariots pulled to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for nine days.
  • Bahuda Yatra: Return procession of the deities back to the Jagannath Temple.
  • Suna Besha: Special adornment of the deities in gold ornaments during the return procession.

The Rath Yatra's emphasis on environmental sustainability, with its use of natural materials and traditional construction techniques, offers valuable insights for a future focused on ecological harmony. The festival's enduring legacy, passed down through generations, serves as a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

This spiritual event is world famous which is evident from the fact that the english word 'juggernaut' meaning a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force was coined from the perceived unstoppable force of the Jagannath Ratha Yatra. World over rath yatras are carried out during the auspicious month to celebrate lord Jagannath. Efforts are being made to bag a UNESCO Intanglible Heritage tag for this event as well.