Rath Yatra in India

Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a Hindu festival associated primarily with Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It takes place every year in Puri, Odisha, on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month (June-July).

History and Significance

The origins of Rath Yatra date back to ancient times in Indian history. The festival celebrates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt's Home) near Saradha Bali Puri. The deities of Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, are taken out from the main shrine of Jagannath Temple and placed in elaborately decorated chariots.

Traditions

• Chariots: Three richly decorated chariots resembling temple structures are pulled by thousands of devotees on the bada danda (the grand avenue) leading to Gundicha Temple, about 2 km away from the main temple.
• Deities' Journey: The deities are transported amidst much fanfare in their respective chariots: Nandighosa for Jagannath, Taladhvaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalana for Subhadra.
• Construction: Every year, new chariots are constructed from wood according to strict specifications.
• Rope Pulling: Devotees believe that pulling the sacred rope attached to the chariot bestows blessings upon them.

What People Do

On Rath Yatra:

• Devotees flock to Puri from all over India and abroad.
• People sing and dance in front of the chariots during the procession.
• Many also fast and engage in prayers and religious discourses.
• There is a widespread distribution of prasad (sacred food), including the famous 'Mahaprasad' of Puri.

The return journey after a stay of seven days at Gundicha Temple is called Bahuda Jatra. Following this, deities are adorned with gold ornaments and worshipped before being placed back inside Jagannath Temple. This marks an end to the festivities.