Jagannath Puri Yatra, also known as the Ratha Yatra or the Chariot Festival, is a religious festival that is commemorated annually in Puri, Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra (Balarama) and Devi Subhadra. The Jagannath Puri Yatra is one of the most significant and largest chariot processions in the world. The festival usually takes place in the months of June or July and lasts for nine days. This year the auspicious festival will be marked on June 20.
Jagannath Puri Yatra: Date and Time
This festival will be during the time of Dwitiya Tithi, which will be in effect from 11:25 AM on June 19 to 01:07 PM on June 20.
Jagannath Puri Yatra: Significance
The Jagannath Yatra is deemed auspicious by the Hindu religion. This festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees. Pulling the chariots is believed to bring blessings and spiritual merit. The festival fosters unity and devotion among participants and showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the region. It is a time of celebration, religious rituals, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and reverence for Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings. Jagannath Puri is one of the oldest temples in India. Speaking of, the devotees have been celebrating the festival since the 12th century.
Jagannath Puri Yatra: Rituals
The Jagannath Puri Yatra involves various rituals. The main ritual is the chariot procession, where the deities are placed on colossal chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri. Other rituals include daily worship, bathing of the deities, offering of bhog (food offerings), and cultural performances. The festival also includes religious discourses, devotional singing, and a period of stay at the Gundicha Temple.
Jagannath Puri Yatra: History
The sister of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, was said to have wished to travel to Puri in the holy Hindu texts. To fulfil Devi Subhadra’s wish, Lord Jagannath and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra drove a chariot to Puri. Since then, the annual pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his younger sister Subhadra from their home temple to the temple that is believed to be their aunt’s residence has been symbolised by this festival.
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