Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra

BY AKSHYA ROUT

JAJPUR, JULY 6 : Jagannatha Rath Yatra is a popular Hindu festival which is celebrated annually in the city of Odisha. It falls on the Dwitiya Tithi, the second day of the bright fortnight of the Sharad Paksha, a fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Asadh. The Sharad Paksha is a period of increasing moonlight and is considered auspicious for spiritual activities.

The Asadh month, according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, typically falls in the month of June or July in the Gregorian calendar. This elaborate procession, featuring colossal chariots carrying revered deities, pulsates with energy and devotion.

The rhythmic chanting of hymns, the collective fervour of devotees pulling the chariots, and the sheer scale of the event create an unforgettable experience. The Jagannatha Rath Yatra festival began with estimates ranging from the 12th to 16th centuries. Stories and myths surround its origins. Some say it represents Lord Krishna’s visit to his mother’s birthplace. Others believe it started with King Indradyumna, who supposedly set up the rituals. Historical documents show the festival became more important during the rule of Odisha’s Gajapati kings.

Over the centuries, the Jagannath Rath Yatra has changed and grown, but its core purpose has remained the same. It’s a powerful symbol of Odisha’s rich culture and the deep faith of millions. At the heart of the Jagannatha Rath Yatra lies the symbolic journey of three deities: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra.

These deities are believed to emerge from the confines of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and embark on a nine-day sojourn to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometres away. The Jagannatha Rath Yatra unfolds in captivating rituals, each steeped in symbolism and tradition. A day before the grand procession, the deities undergo a ceremonial bath (Rath Snana) involving 108 pots of aromatic water and sacred items, signifying their purification before the journey.

This is followed by the Rath Pratistha (Consecration of the Chariots), where priests chant mantras and bless the newly built chariots, transforming them into vessels for the divine journey. The pinnacle of the Yatra arrives with the Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession). Thousands of devotees throng the streets, chanting hymns and brimming with fervour as they pull the majestic chariots towards the Gundicha Temple. Here, the deities reside for nine days, allowing devotees to seek their blessings. After this sojourn, the Bahuda Yatra (Return Journey) sees the deities return to the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession filled with joyous celebration.

The Yatra culminates with Niladri Vijaya, the dismantling of the chariots, symbolising the conclusion of the divine journey and the promise of its renewal in the year to come. Former Minster Pritiranjan GHadei Said Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra! May the felicity and harmonious relations, surround you with his endless, love and physical intensity.

Writer Taraprasad Mishra Said Dear devotee, may your hard efforts to serve the Lord and pull his chariot come off well. I truly you are showered with all that you need. Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra.Former Minster Prana prakash das Said Wishing friends and family a very Happy Rath Yatra – the beautiful, colourful festival of chariots Enjoy the celebrations.

 Korei MLA Akash das nayak said May the sound of the Lord’s chariot bring harmony and positivity into your life. Happy Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. Dharamasala MLA Himanshu sekhar sahoo said “May Lord Jagannath showers you with all the love lavishly and you be surrounded with a lot of energy and intensity along with harmonious relations.

Have a great Rath yatra, Jai Jagannath!”. Writer Madhusmita Archrya Said May the divine siblings, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, bless you with strength and and prosperity.

Happy Rath Yatra.Journalist Sanjay Kumar Mishra Said Wishing you a festival filled with devotion, spirituality, and memorable moments. Happy Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. BJP Leader Pritiranjan Sahoo Said May the holy chants and rituals of Rath Yatra purify your soul and bring you closer to the divine. Happy Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra!.