Puri: The spiritually vibrant city of Puri is witnessing a divine spectacle today as the world-renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and younger sister Devi Subhadra, commences with grandeur and fervour. This iconic Hindu festival, known as the Chariot Festival, marks the beginning of the Lord’s annual journey to his birthplace — the Gundicha Temple.
What Makes Rath Yatra So Special
- This year, the deities will embark on the Yatra at 4 PM, as per tradition.
- Rath Yatra, celebrated in June-July, is one of India’s largest and oldest religious festivals, drawing lakhs of pilgrims and tourists.
The festival symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s house, a 3-km journey from the main temple (Shree Mandir) to Gundicha Temple.
Chariots of the Divine Siblings
Three massive, beautifully decorated wooden chariots are stationed at Singha Dwar (Lion Gate):
- Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra
- Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra
- Nandighosha, the largest, for Lord Jagannath
The pulling of the chariots is considered a highly auspicious act, believed to grant divine blessings to those who participate.
According to Akashvani correspondent S.N. Pattnaik, the deities will spend nine days at Gundicha Temple, returning to Shree Mandir on July 5 during Bahuda Yatra (Return Car Festival). The day is deemed extraordinary, as it is the only time in the year when non-Hindus and foreigners are allowed a glimpse (darshan) of the deities.
Massive Crowd & Security Arrangements
- The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration expects over 13 lakh devotees to attend this year’s Rath Yatra.
- To ensure smooth and safe proceedings, multi-layer security arrangements have been implemented, including:
- Drone surveillance
- CCTV monitoring
- Rapid Action Forces (RAF)
- Traffic regulation and medical stations
Of the 148 annual rituals observed at the Jagannath Temple, Rath Yatra stands as the most prominent, drawing attention not only from across India but also from international devotees and scholars. Its cultural, religious, and architectural richness make it a globally cherished spiritual event.
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