Rath Yatra: The Festival of Chariots that Celebrates the Lord of the Universe

Rath Yatra is one of the most ancient and grand Hindu festivals that takes place every year in India. It is a celebration of the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, from their home temple in Puri, Odisha, to their aunt’s temple in Gundicha. Rath Yatra literally means “chariot festival”, as the deities are carried on huge wooden chariots that are pulled by millions of devotees.

The festival is a unique spectacle that showcases the rich cultural heritage and devotion of the people of Odisha and other parts of India. It is also a symbol of universal brotherhood and harmony, as people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or nationality, participate in the festival with equal enthusiasm and reverence.

The festival has a long history and legend behind it, which dates back to thousands of years ago. According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Jagannath is an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism. He is also known as the “Lord of the Universe” and is worshipped by millions of devotees across the world.

The legend says that once, Lord Jagannath’s sister Subhadra expressed her desire to visit Puri, where their aunt lived. To fulfill her wish, Lord Jagannath and his brother Balabhadra decided to take her on a chariot ride to Puri. This event is commemorated every year by the Rath Yatra festival, where the deities are taken out of their temple and travel to Gundicha temple, which is considered to be their aunt’s home.

The festival begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July), which is also known as the auspicious day of Snana Purnima or Bathing Full Moon. On this day, the deities are given a ceremonial bath with 108 pitchers of water and then dressed in new clothes. They are then kept in isolation for a week, as it is believed that they suffer from fever after the bath.

On the ninth day, which is known as Bahuda Yatra or Return Journey, the deities are taken back to their home temple in a reverse procession. On the way, they stop at another temple called Mausi Maa or Aunt’s Mother, where they are offered a special delicacy called Poda Pitha or Baked Cake.

The Rath Yatra festival is not only celebrated in Puri, but also in other parts of India and abroad. The most famous Rath Yatra outside India is held in London, where it was first organized in 1969 by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The festival attracts thousands of people from different backgrounds and faiths, who join in the chanting and dancing along with the chariots.

The Rath Yatra festival is a unique opportunity to witness the glory and grace of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. It is also a chance to experience the joy and bliss of being part of a massive spiritual gathering that transcends all barriers and boundaries.

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