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The Rath Yatra is also called the Navadina Yatra, the Dasavatara Yatra, and the Gundicha Yatra. An amazing event happens every year to honour Lord Krishna, who is also called Lord Jagannath. The ancient Oriya calendar says that this lively festival takes place on the second day of Shukla Paksha. In Hinduism, it is a very important event. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, organises this major event, drawing thousands of followers from all over the world. It is also known as the Festival of Chariots, and this festival is celebrated with immense zeal and devotion, particularly in the coastal state of Odisha, India. This annual festival, primarily observed in the city of Puri, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It involves the public procession of deities in giant chariots, and the event draws millions of devotees from across the globe. The Rath Yatra not only holds deep religious significance but also represents a rich cultural heritage that has been celebrated for centuries.
The Rath Yatra in the year 2024 will be celebrated on July 7. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival celebrated in Odisha, Jharkhand, and other parts of Eastern India. The main procession occurs in Puri, Odisha, where Lord Jagannath and two other deities travel to the Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple on grand chariots.
Origins and historical background of the Rath Yatra Festival:
The origins of the Rath Yatra can be traced back to ancient times, with references found in various scriptures and texts. King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva built the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the focal point of this festival, in the 12th century. However, the tradition of Rath Yatra predates the temple, with roots dating back to the pre-Vedic era, when similar festivals were celebrated to honour local deities.
The festival has been mentioned in several Puranas, including the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Padma Purana, indicating its longstanding significance. Over the centuries, the Rath Yatra has evolved into a massive event that not only showcases religious devotion but also highlights the cultural unity and diversity of India.
Kansa’s request story:
There is a lovely story floating around that makes you think of Kansa, who is Lord Krishna’s and Balram’s maternal uncle. He trickily called them to Mathura and sent Akrur with a beautiful chariot to Gokul because he was evil. Obeying, Lord Krishna and Balram got on the chariot and began their fatal journey to Mathura. That’s why the day they left turned into a highly-anticipated festival called Rath Yatra, which stands for dedication and divine protection. As a way to celebrate, worshippers remember the day that Lord Krishna came to the city of Mathura after defeating the evil Kansa and gave his followers a divine vision of his form riding in a chariot with his beloved brother Balaram.
The story of how Narad prayed and where the brothers will live forever:
A story goes that when Lord Krishna’s queens wanted to hear the beautiful stories of his amorous exploits with the Gopis, Mother Rohini told Subhadra she shouldn’t listen and sent her away. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas. Subhadra became sucked into the web of captivating stories. Soon after, Narad, the sage of the heavens, saw the three still figures and prayed, “May the three of you grant eternal darshan in this beautiful form.” Thankfully, their prayer was answered, and the divine brothers have since lived forever on the holy grounds of the Jagannath Puri Temple.
There are holy churches in all four directions of India, but the Jagannath Puri Temple stands out. In the four holy places, this is one of the most holy. Some of these are Badrinath in the Himalayas, Dwarka in the west, and Rameshwar in the south. Surprisingly, there is no other temple like the one in Jagannath Temple, Puri. Three gods live inside its sanctum: Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra. Not only are they divinely connected, but they are also siblings, which is a link that can never be broken.
Significance of Rath Yatra:
Rath Yatra is more than just a religious procession; it symbolises the journey of life and the human soul’s quest for salvation. The festival commemorates the annual visit of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, to their aunt’s home, the Gundicha Temple. This journey signifies the return of the deities to their divine abode after mingling with their devotees, embodying the concept of divine-human interaction.
The festival also represents the triumph of good over evil. According to legend, the deities leave their sanctum in the Jagannath Temple to visit the Gundicha Temple, symbolising their desire to cleanse the world of evil and bring about universal harmony and peace.
Preparations and Rituals:
The preparations for the Rath Yatra begin well in advance, with meticulous planning and organisation. The primary focus is on constructing the three grand chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Each chariot is unique in design, reflecting the deity it carries:
- Nandighosa: The chariot of Lord Jagannath, adorned with yellow and red fabrics, stands 45 feet high with 16 wheels.
- Taladhwaja: The chariot of Lord Balabhadra, decorated in blue and red, stands 44 feet high with 14 wheels.
- Darpadalana: The chariot of Goddess Subhadra, embellished with black and red, stands 43 feet high with 12 wheels.
Construction of these chariots is a sacred task, undertaken by a special group of carpenters known as ‘Maharana’ who follow traditional methods passed down through generations. The forests of Dasapalla provide the logs for the chariots, and rituals and chants accompany the entire process.
On the day of the festival, the deities are brought out of the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple in a ceremonial procession called ‘Pahandi’. They are then placed on their respective chariots amidst the chants of priests and the beats of traditional drums and cymbals.
The Grand Procession:
The Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July). The grand procession begins at the Jagannath Temple and proceeds towards the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometres away. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days before returning to the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession called ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
Thousands of devotees pull the massive chariots in a sight to behold. The ropes of the chariots are considered extremely sacred, and it is believed that pulling the chariots earns devotees immense spiritual merit. The King of Puri also performs this act of pulling the chariots, known as ‘Chhera Pahanra’, emphasising the egalitarian spirit of the festival.
Cultural and Social Impact:
The Rath Yatra is not only a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich traditions of Odisha. Vibrant music, dance, and folk performances mark the festival, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage. It brings together people from all walks of life, transcending social and economic barriers.
The festival also has a significant social impact. It promotes community participation and volunteerism, with thousands of people coming together to organise and manage the event. The hospitality industry in Puri thrived during this period, as millions of pilgrims and tourists visited the city, boosting the local economy.
Global Celebrations:
While Puri remains the epicentre of the Rath Yatra, the festival is celebrated with equal fervour in various parts of India and the world. Major cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi witness grand processions, and the festival has gained international recognition with celebrations in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has played a pivotal role in popularising the Rath Yatra globally. ISKCON organises Rath Yatras in major cities across the world, attracting thousands of devotees and spreading the message of Lord Jagannath.
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