The Spectacular Rath Yatra of Puri: A Global Celebration of Divine Siblings
The annual Rath Yatra of Puri, renowned worldwide, marks a significant event in the calendar, captivating not only the people of Odisha but also Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath from across the globe. Each year, on the auspicious Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha (June-July), followers eagerly anticipate the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Legend has it that Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, along with His divine siblings, pays a visit to their birthplace, Janma Vedi, during this extraordinary festival. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots or Gundicha Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, considered the Lord of the Universe in Hindu traditions. As per the Odia calendar, in 2023, this momentous celebration fell on June 20. Devotees from all corners of the state and the country converged upon the city of Puri, eagerly awaiting the procession. The enchanting sight of the three deities carried in splendid chariots, known as Raths and crafted from neem wood, enthralled the onlookers. Commencing with the Snana Yatra, where the deities are ritually bathed in water from the holy Ganges, the festival proceeds to the Anasara period, during which the deities temporarily 'rest.' Subsequently, the deities are escorted to the Gundicha Temple, their abode for approximately eight to nine days, before returning to their temple in a grand procession known as Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots used in the procession hold distinct names. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosh, while Lord Balabhadra's and Devi Subhadra's chariots are known as Taladhwaja and Darpadalana, respectively. According to a report in Zee News, a considerable number of foreign devotees attended this year's Rath Yatra. The global appeal of this divine spectacle continues to grow, attracting individuals from various cultural backgrounds. The Rath Yatra of Puri serves as a unique Hindu festival where deities are temporarily relocated, symbolizing the profound significance of the divine siblings' journey. It remains an awe-inspiring event, uniting people in their devotion and drawing attention to the rich heritage and spiritual traditions of Odisha and Hinduism as a whole.
