Jagannath Ratha Yatra: A Festival of Devotion and Joy!

As this year i.e. on 20th June 4, 2023, World famous “Jagannath Rath Yatra” is scheduled. Before delving ourselves into this ancient old ritual of Hindus let’s reveal who is Lord Jagannath, We’ll bisect the name into two i.e. “Jagan’ meaning universe and ‘Nath’ meaning Master”. So Lord Jagannath by the name itself tells that He is the master of the universe or caretaker of the universe. 

Quoting a text from ancient old scripture of Hindus i.e. “Skanda-Puran” 28th chapter, Lord Bramha One among the three prominent deities of Hindus gives instructions to King Indradyumna as follows: “Thinking it’s a wooden image, O pre-eminent King, let there not be the idea in you that this is a mere image; this is verily the form of supreme Brahman (Supreme Omnipresent God). As Param-Brahman takes away all sorrows and confers eternal bliss, He is known as Daru (Sacred Word). According to the four “Vedas” therefore, the Lord is manifest in the form of Daru (Sacred Wood). He is the creator of the universe. He has also created Himself.”

Jagannath Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a grand Hindu festival that takes place annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. This festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. With millions of devotees arriving in the city of Puri, to witness this magnificent event, the Jagannath Ratha Yatra has become one of the world's most anticipated and revered religious processions.

The roots of the Jagannath Ratha Yatra can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Hindu religion, Lord Jagannath is considered the Lord of the Universe and is believed to visit his birthplace, the Gundicha Temple, during the festival. The story behind the festival dates back to the time of Lord Krishna's incarnation as Lord Jagannath when he expressed his desire to visit his childhood home in Vrindavan. Since then, the Ratha Yatra has been celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Months before the festival, the skilled artisans of Puri meticulously construct three enormous chariots, each representing a deity. The main chariot, Nandighosa, belongs to Lord Jagannath and stands at a towering height of 45 feet. The other two chariots, named Taladhwaja and Darpadalan, are for Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, respectively. These chariots are crafted from wood and are beautifully adorned with vibrant colors, intricate designs, and auspicious symbols.

On the day of the festival, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are brought out of the Jagannath Temple in a ceremonial procession known as 'Pahandi.' The deities are placed on their respective chariots amidst a sea of devotees chanting hymns and songs of devotion. The chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees, using ropes, along the grand procession route towards the Gundicha Temple, situated around three kilometers away.

As the chariots commence their journey, the atmosphere becomes charged with spirituality, devotion, and unbounded joy. Devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, join in pulling the ropes, considering it an honor to participate in the divine task. The rhythmic chants of "Jai Jagannath" fill the air, and the streets come alive with vibrant colors, traditional music, and dance performances.

The chariot procession passes through various parts of the city, attracting millions of devotees who come to catch a glimpse of the deities and seek their blessings. People line the streets, balconies, and rooftops, eagerly waiting for the chariots to pass by. The atmosphere is electrifying as the devotees immerse themselves in the fervor of the occasion.

Upon reaching the Gundicha Temple, the deities are warmly welcomed and ceremoniously placed on the temple premises. The idols are kept in the temple for nine days, during which elaborate rituals and religious ceremonies occur. Devotees throng the temple to offer prayers, seek blessings, and witness various cultural programs and performances that are organized as part of the festivities.

After nine days, the deities begin their return journey to the Jagannath Temple, known as the 'Bahuda Yatra.' The return journey follows a similar pattern to the initial procession, with the chariots being pulled back amidst the same exuberance and devotion.

Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a celebration that transcends boundaries and unites people in the spirit of devotion and joy. It serves as a reminder of the divine bond between Lord Jagannath and his devotees. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and provides a platform for spiritual enlightenment and cultural exchange. It is an event that leaves a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to witness its grandeur and experience the collective outpouring of faith. Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a true testament to the power of devotion, unity, and the celebration of the divine.

Jai Jagannath Swamy!