Rath Yatra is a major festival celebrated by mass people in Odisha, Puri India.
| Date | Day | Festival |
| 07 July, 2024 | Sunday | Rath Yatra |
Ratha Yatra is also called Navadina Yatra, Gundicha Yatra, Dasavatara and Gundicha Yatra. It is a yearly event dedicated to Lord Krishna (Lord Jagannath). The festival falls on the second day of Shukla Paksha as per the conventional Oriya Calendar.
Why Do People Celebrate Rath Yatra?
Rath Yatra is organized in Puri, a prominent city in Odisha. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna, also known as Lord Jagannath, wishes to visit Mathura, his birthplace. They organize this festival annually to fulfill his desire. Devotees also believe that by devoutly participating in this festival, they can attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Additionally, People from other countries also take part in celebrating the festival.
How is the Rath Yatra Festival Celebrated?
Devotees carry the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. The idols are then placed in chariots. Priests perform Snana Purnima, a ritual in which the three idols are bathed with water (109 buckets). After the bath, the idols are secluded until the procession day, a ceremony known as Ansara. The royal successor of Odisha performs the ceremonial Chera Pahara, where the king carries the deities and places them on chariots during the event.
Why is the Rath Yatra Observed?
According to legend, Lord Jagannath traveled to Gundicha Temple on this day through the Mausi Maa Temple, the home of his maternal aunt. He was accompanied by his sister Subhadra and older brother Balabhadra. Hence, the day is observed annually with the Jagannath Rath Yatra, during which the idols of the Lord and his siblings are placed on chariots. The significance of the procession is felt throughout India.
When is rath yatra festival?
Rath Yatra Festival in on 07 July 2024, Sunday.
