The wait is finally over for devotees across the globe as the world-renowned Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is set to begin, drawing millions of pilgrims and tourists to the holy city. Held annually on the second day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Ashadha, the Rath Yatra marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings—Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra—from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
This year, over 12 lakh devotees are expected to take part in the spectacular 12-day festival. In anticipation of the massive crowds, authorities have made meticulous arrangements, beginning nearly two months in advance. The entire area around the Jagannath Temple is now teeming with pilgrims eager for a glimpse of the deities’ grand procession.
A Divine Procession Unlike Any Other
While most Hindu temples take ceremonial idols out during festivals, Puri’s Rath Yatra is unique—the original deities from the sanctum sanctorum are placed in newly constructed wooden chariots every year and paraded through the streets. The Gajapati King of Puri performs the symbolic “Chhera Pahanra” ritual by sweeping the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility before the divine.
The three majestic chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees in a spiritual procession covering a 2.5-kilometer journey to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities rest for a week before returning to the main temple.
The Three Chariots of the Rath Yatra
- Nandighosha (Jagannath’s chariot): 46 feet high, 16 wheels – the tallest and most prominent.
- Taladhwaja (Balabhadra’s chariot): 45 feet 4 inches high, 14 wheels.
- Devadalan (Subhadra’s chariot): 42 feet 3 inches high, 12 wheels.
Sacred Rituals and Historic Legacy
The return journey from Gundicha Temple is known as Bahuda Utsavam, followed by Suna Besha, when the deities are adorned with gold ornaments. The festival concludes with Neeladri Bije, marking their re-entry into the sanctum.
The Jagannath Temple, an architectural marvel built in the Nagara style, was commissioned by King Anantavarma Chodaganga in the 11th–12th century CE. The idols, crafted from wood and believed to be unfinished by divine design, are said to have been sculpted by the celestial architect Vishwakarma.
A Rare Spiritual Experience
Witnessing the Rath Yatra is considered deeply auspicious. With its blend of spirituality, tradition, and scale, the festival not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Odisha but also reinforces the timeless bond between the divine and the devotee.
