Rath yatra Festival celebrating Lord Jagannath .

                                RATH YATRA                                                                               Car Festival

   Introduction

       Rath Yatra is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the city of  Puri  in Odisha state of India. It is also known as Rath  Mothsavam or Car Festival .The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Lord Jagannath is accompanied by his sister Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra in this procession. Rath Yatra is not only a religious festival but also a symbol of unity and inclusion. People from different castes, communities and backgrounds come together to participate in the festival The festival is a grand spectacle that reflects the devotion and cultural richness of the region .Dedicated to Lord Jagannath , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu along with Subhadra and Balabhadra .city of Puri is full of energy, excitement and festive atmosphere during the Rath journey It is a time of joy and celebration as devotees express their love and devotion to Lord Jagannath .The festival holds unique significance in the religious and cultural landscape of Odisha and is also a major tourist attraction.

           The dates of  Jagannath's chariot journey vary every year based on the Hindu calendar. The festival is held on the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Pak) in the Hindu month of Asha Generally ,it falls in the month of June or July according to the Gregorian calendar .To get the exact date of Jagannath Chariot for a particular year , it is better to follow the Hindu calendar or consult the local authorities or the Jagannath Temple in Puri , India ,where the festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion .Done Rath Yatra is mainly celebrated in Odisha state of India .The city of Puri in Odisha is particularly famous for its grand Rath Yatra festival, where it attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world .The Jagannath temple in Puri is the focal point of the festival and the main procession takes place in the city However ,the Rath Yatra is also celebrated in other parts of India and in various Hindu communities around the world, although on a smaller scale compared to the festival held in Puri, Odisha. The Rath Yatra is celebrated to commemorate the annual journey of Lord Jagannath , his brother Lord Balabhadra (Balaram) and Goddess Subhadra. Also from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple in Puri , India. This festival has religious and cultural significance for the devotees.

Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrated ?

        Rath Yatra is mainly celebrated in Odisha state of India. The city of Puri in Odisha is particularly famous for its great Rath Yatra celebrations The Jagannath temple in Puri is the focal point of the festival and the main procession takes place in the city However, the Rath Yatra is also celebrated in other parts of India and in various Hindu communities around the world,although on a smaller scale compared to the festival held in Puri, Odisha, Rath Yatra is celebrated every year and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. The event attracts lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad.This festival usually lasts for nine days in the month of June or July.The highlight of the festival is the procession in which the deities are taken out of the Jagannath temple and placed on large wooden chariots. The chariot procession is a joyous event, filled with songs, dances and chanting of religious hymns.It is filled with devotion and religious fervor as devotees throng the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities People from all walks of life come together to participate in the festival irrespective of their caste, religion or social status Rath Yatra usually takes place in June or July,on the second day of the bright fort of the Hindu month of Asha The procession starts from Jagannath temple and proceeds towards Gundicha temple which is about 3 km away. Devotees from all over the world gather in Puri to witness this grand event. Chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees who consider it an honor and a religious duty to participate in this devotional activity.The highlight of the festival is the procession of the deities in chariots known as the Grand Rath.These three chariots are made anew every year. The chariots used in Rath Yatra are made every year with great care and devotion. They are made of wood and decorated with intricate designs and colorful decorations Each chariot has different specifications and is dedicated to a particular deity Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandigosa, Lord
Balabhadra's chariot is called Thaladavaja and Goddess Subhadra's chariot is called Asiradalana. Thousands of devotees throng the streets of Puri from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, the birthplace of Lord Jagannath's aunt The three chariots used in chariot journeys are known as Nandigosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladwaja (for Balabhadra) and Amirdalana(for Subhadra). These chariots are beautifully decorated with colorful cloth, flowers and flags Devotees pull the chariot through the streets of Puri, singing, dancing and chanting religious hymns. The procession covers a distance of about three  kilometers from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, where the deities stay for a week. It is believed that one who gets a chance to pull a chariot while on a journey acquires immense spiritual merit. The chariots are huge and beautifully decorated Lord Jagannath's chariot named Nandigosa is the tallest and has 16 wheels Balabhadra's chariot named Taladwaja has 14 wheels and Subhadra's chariot named Amirdalana has 12 wheels.Chariots are pulled by thick ropes by devotees, and it is believed that participating in this procession and touching the ropes brings blessings and luck.The streets of Puri come alive with music, dance and various cultural performances People pray, sing devotional songs and chant mantras during the procession Matched Sourc.

What is Rath Yatra ?

    The word "rath" means chariot, and during festivals the deities are mounted on decorated chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees. Raths are huge structures made of wood and are built anew every year. This festival has great significance in Hindu mythology and is celebrated with great devotion and respect. It is believed that participating in the chariot journey and catching a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in the chariot can cleanse one's sins and bring blessings. Chariots are dismantled after the festival, and the wood is considered sacred, often taken by devotees as a sign of good luck. The Chariot Yatra of Puri is a unique and grand festival that reflects the rich cultural heritage and religious fervor of the people of Odisha. It is an event that holds immense importance in the hearts of the devotees and continues to attract visitors from all over the world. It is believed that Lord Jagannath visited his birthplace at Gundicha Temple during this journey. The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath temple is known as the Bahuda Yatra The chariot journey begins with a formal ritual where the deities are brought from the Jagannath temple and placed in the chariot .The procession then moves slowly through the streets of Puri, amid the chanting of devotees, the beating of drums and the sound of cymbals. It is a grand spectacle that attracts both devotees and tourists alike. The chariot finally reaches Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for a week. During this time, devotees have the opportunity to have darshan (holydarshan) of the deities outside the main temple After a week-long stay, the deities are brought to the Jagannath temple in a procession formally known as the Bhauna Yatra. The Rathayatra holds immense cultural and religious significance in Odisha. It is believed to be a festival of unity and equality, as people from different walks of life come together to participate in the festival. The festival symbolizes the bond between Lord Jagannath and his devotees as they pull the chariot with love and devotion. The chariot is associated with Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, his brother Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The festival includes a grand procession of the deities on giant chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri. The main focus of the chariot procession is the journey of the deities from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, which is about 3 km away. The chariots used in this procession are built anew every year following certain rituals and guidelines The festival of chariot journey holds immense cultural and religious significance in Odisha and is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is a symbol of unity and devotion among people, transcending caste, religion and social barriers. Rath Yatra, also known as Rath Festival, is a famous religious festival celebrated in the city of Puri in Odisha. It is one of the most important and widely attended Hindu festivals in the country.The Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is believed to be over a thousand years old. The festival usually takes place in June or July during the monsoon season and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. The main attraction of the chariot journey is the grand procession in which the deity Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and his elder brother Balabhadra are enshrined in the Jagannath temple. They were taken out in a decorated chariot and dragged through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha temple, which is their aunt's house Thechariots are large and brightly coloured, with intricate carvings and designs. Devotees enthusiastically participate in pulling the chariot using long ropes, as it is believed to be an auspicious act that brings blessings. The procession has a lively and lively atmosphere, with people singing devotional songs, playing musical instruments and dancing in celebration of the deities. The procession holds religious and cultural significance. It is believed that anyone who gets a chance to pull the chariot or touch the rope is blessed and their sins are forgiven. The festival marks Lord Jagannath's journey from the temple to the Gundicha temple and back, which symbolizes his annual journey to his aunt's house. Rath Yatra is celebrated not only in Puri but also in other cities and towns in India and internationally. The festival serves as a symbol of unity and devotion, bringing people from different backgrounds together in love for Lord Jagannath.

What is the legend history of rath yatra ?

        Rath Yatra, also known as Rath Festival, is an important Hindu festival with rich historical and cultural significance. It is mainly associated with the city of Puri in Odisha, India The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna) from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. The legend of the chariot journey is rooted in Hindu mythology and has been celebrated for centuries. According to legend, Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace Gundicha Temple for a few days. In response to his wishes, devotees organize chariot processions to symbolize and facilitate the divine journey. During the festival, devotees pull chariots using ropes, and it is believed that participating in the act of pulling chariots brings great blessings. This procession attracts crowds of devotees from all over India and different parts of the world. The chariot procession has been celebrated in Puri since ancient times and is mentioned in various historical texts and texts. An older historical account of chariot journeys can be found in the Skanda Purana, which dates back to the 11th century This illustrates the grandeur of the festival and highlights its importance as a major event in the religious and cultural life of the region. Puri's Rath Yatra has inspired Rath festivals in other parts of India such as Kolkata's Jagannath Rath Yatra and Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra. These festivals carry their own regional variations and traditions, but the ancient legend associated with Lord Jagannath. The chariot journey remains an important event in Indian culture, attracting devotees, tourists and scholars who come to see and understand its historical and spiritual significance. | It reflects the devotee's devotion and love for Lord Jagannath and serves as a symbol of unity and inclusion.

        The festival spans several days and after a few days at the Gundicha temple, the deities return to the Jagannath temple in a procession known as Bahada Yatra. Rath Yatra of Puri is one of the most famous and popular chariot festivals in India,which attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. Rath Yatra is an annual festival held in Puri, India. It is an important event in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion The festival involved the procession of Lord Jagannath along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The Ratha Yatra has been celebrated in Puri for centuries and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. The highlight of the

festival is the Rathayatra, where the deities are carried in three huge chariots called Ratha Devotees pull these chariots using chariots and the procession proceeds from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, a distance of 3 km. The festival ends with the Baahuda yatra, the return journey of the deities to the Jagannath temple. The chariots are taken back to the temple in the same manner as the initial procession.The festival begins with the Bath Purnima ceremony, where idols of Lord Jagannath,Balabhadra and Subhadra are bathed. Following this, the deities take a seclusion and stay out of public view for 15 days This period is known as "Ansara". On the day of Rathayatra, the idols are placed in elaborately decorated chariots called Raths. Thousands of devotees pull this chariot on the streets of Puri. Lord Jagannath's chariot known as Nandigosa is the largest and attracts the most attention The festival holds immense religious and cultural significance and symbolizes the unity and equality of all devotees before the divine. It is celebrated in Puri with great fervor, devotion and

enthusiasm, making it one of the major festivals of India. Rath Yatra is a famous Hindu festival that takes place in the city of Puri, located in the Odisha state of India. It is also known as Rath Mothsavam or Car Festival The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is one of the major religious events of the region. The festival usually takes place in the month of June or July and lasts for about nine days Music, chanting and dancing are performed in this procession. People line the streets to catch a glimpse of the gods and seek their blessings Pulling a chariot during a Rath Yatra is believed to be an auspicious activity that brings great merit and blessings to the participants. Rath Yatra is a symbol of unity and equality as people from different walks of life come together to pull the chariot regardless of caste, religion or gender. Getting the chance to touch the ropes of the chariots or help them pull them is considered a divine experience.Apart from the main festival in Puri, Rath Yatra festivals are also held in other parts of India and Jagannath temples in different countries. Then Puri's Rath Yatra is the most famous.

What is the Main Point of Rath Yatra ?   

   The date of Rath Yatra changes every year as it is fixed according to Hindu calendar The                RathYatra  is held on the second day of the bright fourteenth day (Shukla Pak) in the Hindu month of Asha It usually falls in the month of June or July according to the Gregorian calendar. To know the exact date of the chariot journey for a particular year, it is recommended to follow the Hindu calendar or consult the local authorities or the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, where the festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. 

 1- Mythological Significance: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna and his brothers, Balaram and Subhadra would go to their aunt's house in Gundicha Temple in Puri. The chariot journey reenacts this divine journey

 2- Unity with Devotees: Rath Yatra offers devotees an opportunity to connect with Lord Jagannath and get blessed. Pulling chariots during processions is considered very auspicious and is believed to bring good luck

 3- Equality and Inclusivity: All devotees, irrespective of caste, religion or social status, are allowed to participate in pulling the chariot during the chariot journey. It symbolizes the concept of equality and inclusion in the eyes of the divine.Bhakti Anand: The chariot journey is characterized by passionate singing, dancing and chanting of devotional songs. It is a time of great joy and celebration for devotees expressing love and devotion.

 4-Cultural Significance: Rath Yatra is an integral part of Odisha's cultural heritage and represents the state's rich traditions and religious practices. It showcases the art and craft involved in chariot construction and decoration Overall, Rath Yatra is celebrated to honor Lord Jagannath, experience divine grace, promote unity and equality among devotees and celebrate Odisha's cultural heritage.

 5- Rath Yatra celebrated in Puri, Odisha is held in honor of Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath is a form of Lord Krishna, who is considered the supreme deity of Hinduism. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and marks his annual journey from Jagannath Temple with his brother, Lord Balabhadra (Balaram) and Goddess Subhadra. The chariot ride to Gundicha Temple is a way to show devotion and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.

       Rath Yatra of Puri is famous worldwide and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from different parts of the world. The main procession starts in Puri from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple and runs for a distance of about three kilometers. While Puri is the most famous and significant location for the Chariot Journey, smaller scale celebrations of the Chariot Journey can also be found in other parts of India and in various Hindu communities worldwide. Why is Jagannath Rath Yatra celebrate.

What is Bahuda Rath Yatra ?

    Bahuda Yatra, also known as Bahuda Yatra or Bahuda Yatra Puri, is an important religious festival celebrated in the holy city of Puri, India. It is part of the annual Rath Yatra festival dedicated to Lord Krishna, his brother Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath, a form of Goddess Subhadra. The word "Bahuda" translates to "return journey" in the local Orissa language. It marks the day when Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra return to their abode at Jagannath Temple in
Puri after nine days at Gundicha Temple. The Rath Yatra festival begins with a grand procession of deities on three elaborately decorated chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. The deity spends some time at the Gundicha temple, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath, and receives devotion and offerings from devotees.Devotees line the streets to catch a glimpse of the deities and pray and worship them .The chariots used for the return journey are different from those used for the initial procession.The return journey is considered auspicious and devotees believe that they can receive blessings and spiritual benefits by participating in or witnessing the Bahuda Yatra. The festival attracts crowds of both locals and tourists who anxiously await the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple. The rituals and celebrations associated with Bahuda Yatra vary in different parts of Odisha and among different communities. However, the central theme remains the same, the happy return of the gods to the main shrine .The festival holds great cultural and religious significance and is celebrated with fervor and devotion by devotees of Lord Jag.Rath Yatra of Puri is one of the most famous and popular chariot festivals in India, which attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. Rath Yatra is an annual festival held in Puri, India.It is an important event in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion .The festival involved the procession of Lord Jagannath along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The Ratha Yatra has been celebrated in Puri for centuries and attracts millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. The highlight of the festival is the Rathayatra, where the deities are carried in three huge chariots called Ratha Devotees pull these chariots using chariots and the procession proceeds from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple, a distance of 3 km.The festival ends with the Bahuda yatra, the return journey of the deities to the Jagannath temple. The chariots are taken back to the temple in thesame manner as the initial procession.

  Conclusion

        Also known as Rath Festival, it is a famous Hindu festival that takes place in the city of Puri in the Odisha state of India. It is an important event associated with the Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.Participating in the Rath Yatra, which has immense cultural and religious significance for millions of devotees, brings spiritual blessings . It symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath, who leaves his temple to go to his aunt's house, and it is believed that anyone who pulls the chariot or touches them in procession gains spiritual merit. The journey of the deities from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath to his maternal aunt's house. It is not only a religious festival but also a cultural festival.The Rath Yatra of Puri is a significant event that attracts devotees, tourists and scholars from around the world. It showcases the region's rich cultural heritage and religious traditions, which is a wonderful sight to witness. The chariot journey is characterized by joyful singing, dancing and chanting of devotional songs. The festival represents the journey to the aunt's house of the gods (Gundicha Temple) and symbolizes the love and devotion of the devotees towards the deities. The Rath Yatra of Puri is famous all over the world and attracts both devotees and tourists from different parts of the world. It is one of the grandest and most colorful processions in India and reflects the region's rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.

                                                                      JAY JAGANNATH

                                                                                                                                                       Thanks