The highly significant Jagannath Ratha Yatra (Ratha Yatra) commenced today in Puri, Odisha, marking a significant event in the Hindu religion. Lord Jagannath, revered as the Lord of the Universe and a manifestation of Lord Krishna, is accompanied by his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra in this revered festival, which begins on Snana Purnima. Originating in the 12th century, the festival is deeply connected to one of India’s oldest temples located in Puri.
The main highlight of this grand festival is the procession of three majestic chariots. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are beautifully placed upon these chariots, which are then pulled by devotees from various parts of the world using large ropes. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, known as ‘Nandighosha,’ has 16 wheels, while Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, named ‘Taladhwaja,’ is equipped with 14 wheels. Goddess Subhadra’s chariot, called ‘Darpadalan,’ has 12 wheels.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is mentioned in sacred Hindu texts such as Padma Purana, Brahma Purana, and Skanda Purana. According to beliefs, Lord Jagannath, along with Subhadra and Balabhadra, visited the Gundicha temple, and devotees joyously celebrate the day when Lord Jagannath embarked on that sacred journey. It is believed that those who participate in pulling the chariots are blessed with prosperity by Lord Jagannath.
This Yatra is one of the largest religious congregations globally, spanning over 11 days. Prior to the commencement of the Yatra, the temple is adorned with vibrant flowers. The three deities then visit the Gundicha temple, where they reside for eight days before returning to their divine abode. During the Yatra, a variety of foods are offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
The annual Rath Yatra celebrations of Lord Jagannath have begun in Puri, Odisha. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration anticipates a massive footfall of approximately 2.5 million devotees during this renowned Puri Rath Yatra festival. President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on this occasion, praying for happiness, peace, and prosperity in the lives of all. The chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath are pulled from the Shri Jagannath temple to the Shree Gundicha temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra. Similar processions are also held in various other parts of the country.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed his greetings to the people and shared captivating images of the festivities and chariots. As per officials, a total of 125 special trains will travel to Puri during the festival. Additionally, a significant number of CCTV cameras, including drone cameras, have been deployed for security and monitoring purposes during the Rath Yatra. Ranjan Kumar Das, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), expects a gathering of around 1 million people in Puri on Tuesday.
The nine-day Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath commenced on a vibrant note with more than 1 million devotees from different parts of the country and abroad thronging the holy city of Puri to participate in pulling the chariots of the deities. The deities were brought to the chariots in a procession called Pahandi by the temple priests after performing morning rituals. The air resonated with the chanting of ‘Jai Jagannath’ by priests and devotees, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. The presence of numerous musical instruments like bells, cymbals, and mridangam added to the fervor.
In the afternoon, devotees will have the privilege of pulling the chariots after the Chhera Panhara or sweeping ceremony, performed by Gajapati King Divyasingha Deb, symbolizing humble service to Lord Jagannath.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Approximately 180 platoons of security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed to maintain law and order. The Indian Navy and Air Force are providing security, with interceptor vessels stationed in the nearby Bay of Bengal and the Indian Air Force’s helicopters surveilling the city from above.
Known as the Car Festival, Rath Yatra signifies the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Srimandir temple to Gundicha Mandir for a nine-day sojourn.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra involves various rituals and a magnificent procession. The key steps in the celebration include the construction of the chariots, the Chhera Pahanra ritual performed by the Gajapati Maharaja, the pulling of the chariots by devotees, and the stay of the deities at the Gundicha Temple. The concluding event is the Bahuda Yatra, where the deities return to the Jagannath Temple.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, also known as Gundicha Yatra or Chariot Festival, is a revered annual festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The festival, which lasts for several days, showcases the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Odisha. Pulling the chariots is considered a sacred act of devotion, and devotees believe that witnessing the deities on the chariots absolves them of their wrongdoings and brings spiritual liberation.
The presence of numerous dignitaries, including Odisha Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, as well as state ministers, bureaucrats, judges, and senior government officials, adds grandeur to the spiritual journey of Lord Jagannath and His siblings.