Rath Yatra

The Jagannath temple in India is famous for its annual chariot festival Puri Rath Yatra.  Rath Yatra has a significant history that makes it one of the most popular events in our country. One can even find this festival mentioned in the Puranas. This event is celebrated so much because since time immemorial, it is believed that the Lord Krishna comes to Mathura, his birthplace every year for some days.

The festival marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra from their abode in Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple. The journey passes through different parts of Odisha covering a distance of around 17 km. As per traditions, devotees pull the three colourfully decorated chariots which carry the three idols of the deities.

There are different ceremonies that are organized around this. Before the idols are set out for the procession, they are isolated for some days after they’ve been bathed ritualistically. On the day when the procession is supposed to happen, people welcome the King of Puri and it is in his presence that the idols are brought.

Since the procession is all focused on the raths, each of them is well decorated with flowers. You’ll see three chariots with the idols of the three deities. The chariot that features Lord Jagannath’s idol is the biggest one of the three with 16 wheels and is 44 feet high.