The Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri: A Festival of Joy, Devotion, and Tradition

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is a well-loved festival that draws devotees eager to witness the journey of the deities: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The elaborate preparations, rituals, and the inclusivity of the festival make it a significant cultural event that brings people from diverse backgrounds together.

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is one of the grandest, most joyous, and most respected festivals in India. Millions of people flock to Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and to have a chance to touch or assist in moving the Rath, believed to bring great blessings.

The Rath Yatra is considered to reenact the journey made by Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, to his aunt’s temple, Gundicha Temple. In 2024, the Rath Yatra will commence in Puri on 7th July, Sunday, continuing for 9 days.

The chariots used in the Rath Yatra, known as Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra respectively, are meticulously crafted and represent a key part of the elaborate celebrations surrounding the festival.

About 14 days before the Rath Yatra, rituals like Snana Yatra take place where the deities are bathed with 108 pots of water. After this, there is a period called Anasara where the deities are kept in isolation. The Rath Yatra day sees the deities brought out of the Jagannath Temple to move towards the Gundicha Temple.

The journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, spanning just three kilometers, becomes a busy thoroughfare as devotees pull the heavy chariots with ropes, with the process taking hours due to the numerous participators.

People from all over the world visit Puri during the Rath Yatra, given its significance and the deep spiritual practices involved. The festival unites individuals from various locations, religions, and communities, showcasing the inherent inclusivity and spiritual essence of the event.