Overview:
Rath Yatra is one of the major festivals of Hinduism, celebrated every year on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. This festival is particularly famous in Puri (Odisha) for the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. On this occasion, the three deities are taken in huge wooden chariots, which are pulled by millions of devotees. The festival is also observed with great reverence and devotion in other parts of India, such as Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Mahesh (West Bengal).
The Story Behind the Festival:
According to mythology, Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, travels every year to his maternal aunt's house at the Gundicha Temple. This journey is known as the Rath Yatra. During this journey, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra travel from the main temple of Puri to the Gundicha temple in three separate chariots. This journey is considered extremely sacred as the Lord comes among his devotees during this time.
Why We Celebrate Rath Yatra:
Rath Yatra is a very sacred occasion for the devotees of Lord Jagannath. It offers an opportunity for devotees to get a direct view of the Lord and receive his blessings. The festival celebrates the visit of the Lord to his city, meeting his devotees, and spreading a message of equality and love in society. It is believed that on this day, Lord Jagannath himself comes among his devotees, which makes the day exceptionally auspicious.
Key Traditions of Rath Yatra:
On this day, the grand idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed in beautifully decorated chariots. In Puri, three different chariots are made – ‘Nandighosha’ for Jagannath, ‘Taladhwaja’ for Balabhadra, and ‘Darpadalana’ for Subhadra. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots with ropes, which is considered highly meritorious.
Special bhajans, kirtans, distribution of prasad, and spiritual programs are organized during the Yatra. The journey lasts for seven days, and Lord Jagannath rests at the Gundicha Temple.
Importance of Rath Yatra:
Rath Yatra symbolizes the union of God and his devotees. The festival carries the message that God is not confined to temples alone, but resides in the hearts of all his devotees. It promotes social equality, devotion, and the spirit of service. The sight of the Rath Yatra and pulling the chariots is considered to be highly meritorious and spiritually uplifting for devotees, leading them toward liberation.