Jagannath Rath Yatra features newly built wooden chariots each year for the deities.
Puri’s king performs the symbolic Chhera Pahara ritual with a golden broom.
The word ‘juggernaut’ originates from Lord Jagannath’s massive chariots.
Over a million devotees gather annually, making it a global spiritual spectacle.
Details
Ratha Yatra is one of the grandest Hindu festivals celebrated annually at the Jagannatha Temple in Puri, Odisha. It occurs on Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of the Ashadha month, usually in June or July. The festival marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannatha, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannatha Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away. They travel in massive, ornately decorated wooden chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees, symbolizing their journey to bless all beings.
This journey commemorates the devotion of Queen Gundicha, for whom the Gundicha Temple is named. One day prior to the Yatra, the temple is cleansed in a ritual known as Gundicha Marjana. After a week-long stay, the deities return in a procession called Bahuda Yatra, stopping briefly at the Mausi Maa Temple. On the fourth day after the main procession, Hera Panchami is celebrated when Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha in search of Jagannatha.
The rituals begin with Snana Yatra, an elaborate bathing ceremony held 18 days before Ratha Yatra on Jyestha Purnima. Ratha Yatra is not just a religious celebration but also a massive cultural and spiritual gathering that draws millions from across the world.
