Three deities—Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—were drawn by devotees in massive wooden chariots along the Bada Danda (the grand avenue) to the Gundicha Temple. They reside
Lakhs of devotees thronged the pilgrim town of Puri to witness the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Sunday. Special arrangements have been made as President Droupadi Murmu will also witness the Rath Yatra, which will be a two-day affair after 53 years.
Ratha Yatra is a vibrant and ancient Hindu chariot festival celebrated annually during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadha.
Three deities—Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—were drawn by devotees in massive wooden chariots along the Bada Danda (the grand avenue) to the Gundicha Temple. They reside there for a week and then return to the Jagannath temple. This return journey is called the Bahuda Yatra.
The festival’s origins are found in ancient texts like the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Kapila Samhita. European travellers have documented the festival since the 13th century, with vivid descriptions emerging in the 17th century.
On the way to Gundicha Temple, Jagannath’s chariot stops near the crematorium of Bhakta Salabega, a Muslim devotee, to pay tribute.
On the return journey, the deities pause near the Mausi Maa Temple and receive an offering of Poda Pitha, a special pancake considered the deity’s favorite. The Ratha Yatra is a magnificent celebration that brings together spirituality, tradition, and community participation.
COMMENTS