Rath Yatra, 2023 | Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Rath Yatra, 2023 | Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Rath Yatra, referred to as the Chariot Festival, holds great importance as a Hindu festival observed in different regions of India. The term "Rath" refers to a chariot, and "Yatra" means a procession or journey. The festival is particularly associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, although it is also celebrated in other cities across the country. The Rath Yatra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular festivals in India.

Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The main highlight of the festival is the procession of the deities on elaborately decorated chariots, pulled by devotees through the streets.

The preparations for Rath Yatra begin well in advance, with the construction of the huge chariots, known as Rathas. These chariots are built using specific measurements and designs and are made entirely of wood. Each chariot is dedicated to a specific deity, with Lord Jagannath's chariot being the largest, followed by Lord Balabhadra's and Goddess Subhadra's chariots.

On the day of Rath Yatra, thousands of devotees gather in Puri to witness the grand procession. The deities are placed on their respective chariots, and amidst chanting, singing, and dancing, the devotees pull the chariots through the streets. The journey covers a distance from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is believed to be Lord Jagannath's birthplace.

The Rath Yatra procession is a spectacle to behold, as the streets come alive with the sound of devotional songs, beating drums, and the vibrant energy of the devotees. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, participate in the procession, pulling the ropes of the chariots, seeking blessings and divine grace.

Rath Yatra holds immense religious and cultural significance for devotees, as it symbolizes the journey of the deities from their abode to visit their aunt's house, as mentioned in Hindu mythology. It is believed that anyone who gets the opportunity to pull the chariots or even touch the ropes attains great spiritual merit.

The festival of Rath Yatra is not only celebrated in Puri but also in other cities where Jagannath Temples are present. It is a time of joy, devotion, and unity, as devotees come together to celebrate the divine journey and seek blessings for themselves and their communities.

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