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The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival in the holy city of Puri, Odisha, is one of the most iconic and grand festivals celebrated in India. Held annually to commemorate Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s place, this vibrant festival sees intricately carved towering wooden chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra being ritually pulled through the streets.

Drawing millions of devotees from across the world, Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a soul-stirring experience that encapsulates the very essence of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The festivities reach a feverish pitch as the enthusiastic devotees flock in large numbers to get a glimpse of the deities and participate in the ceremonial pulling of the magnificent chariots amid chants, drumbeats, and devotional fervour filling the air.

History of Rath Yatra Puri

The Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival has been celebrated in Puri for over a millennium. Its origins trace back to the 12th century. According to Hindu scriptures, it commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his maternal aunt’s place, the Gundicha Temple. The legend states that the annual journey begins when the reigning king of Puri used to ceremoniously sweep the chariots and streets along with the courtiers and common folk before the deities were transferred onto the chariots. This tradition has been kept alive to the present day.

The grand festival begins on the Dwitiya Dina when the deities are brought out onto the chariots in an elaborate ritual called Pahandi amid ceremonies, chants, and drumbeats. Millions of devotees join in to pull the chariots, with the sacred Brahma Toran leading the path as a symbolic chariot guard during the Jagannath Puri Yatra.

After a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha Temple, the return journey of the deities from the aunt’s place marks the Bahuda Yatra. This festival has continued to uphold its glory over centuries, attracting devotees worldwide to Puri.

Types of Raths

Here are the different types of elaborately decorated raths (chariots) that take part in the Odisha Puri Rath Yatra festival:

• Nandighosa Rath: This is the largest and most prominent of the three chariots, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Standing at an imposing 45 feet tall and 35 feet square, it has 16 wheels and is decked in bright yellow and red colours with carvings depicting episodes from the Krishna Leela.
• Taladhwaja Rath: This 44-foot-high chariot carries the idol of Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Jagannath. Decorated in shades of red and green, its carvings depict stories from Hindu mythology, like the Ramayana.
• Darpadalana Rath: The smallest of the three at 43 feet high, this chariot is meant for Lord Jagannath’s sister Devi Subhadra. Its carvings illustrate the Vamana and Krishna avatars of Lord Vishnu. It has a distinctive black and golden hue.
• Nandighosha Behera: This is the smallest chariot that leads the procession carrying the Pahandi, who bears Lord Jagannath’s Netranruttu (symbolic vision).
• Chakra Rath: A relatively new addition, this chariot carries the deities’ sacred symbols like the Chakra, Shankhanalin, Padma, and Gada, representing power, prosperity, and divinity.

The construction of these ornately carved raths is a painstaking process spanning centuries of craftsmanship. On the festival day, scores of devotees join in the ritual of pulling these mammoth raths through the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue) of Puri.

Puja Rituals of Rath Yatra

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra involves several intricate puja rituals and ceremonies steeped in tradition and significance. Here are some of the major puja rituals associated with this grand festival:

• Snana Yatra: This ritual marks the ceremonial bathing of the three deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra—on the auspicious day of Devasnana Purnima. Huge crowds gather to witness this holy bath, which precedes the Odisha Rath Yatra.
• Anavasara: This ritual brings the deities out of the Jagannath Temple sanctum sanctorum and dresses or decorates them before being placed on the respective chariots or raths.
• Pahandi: One of the most auspicious rituals, Pahandi involves transferring the idols from the Jagannath Temple to the chariots amid sacred chants, drumbeats, and sevayat priests pulling the deities using ropes.
• Chhera Pahanra: After reaching the Gundicha Temple, the ritual of sweeping the chariots and the way with a golden broom is performed as per tradition by the Gajapati king.
• Suna Besha: During their sojourn at Gundicha Temple, the deities are adorned with gold jewellery and ornaments during this special ritual.
• Laxmi Narayana Bheta: On the final day before the return journey, the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra unite with Laxmi Narayana’s idols in the Narayan Shrine.
• Niladri Bije: This marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple sanctum on the Bahuda Yatra after their nine-day annual vacation.

These centuries-old Rath Yatra rituals hold immense religious and cultural significance, drawing millions of devotees to Puri to witness the divine ceremony.

Details about the Yatra

The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival in Puri, Odisha, is a grand annual festival that celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple. Here are some key details about this iconic festival:

1. Dates and Duration

The festival typically takes place in June or July, starting on the Dwitiya day of the bright fortnight of Ashada month as per the Hindu calendar. The entire yatra spans over nine days.

2. The Procession

On the second day, the three deities are taken out in a ritualistic Pahandi procession and placed on their respective towering wooden chariots, or raths, amid chants and drumbeats. Devotees then join in to ceremoniously pull the raths along the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue) to the Gundicha Temple, around 3 km away.

3. Scale and Significance

The Odisha Rath Yatra draws millions of devotees from across India and the world, making it one of the biggest religious gatherings. It epitomises Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and unwavering faith in Lord Jagannath.

Accommodation Options Near Puri Rath Yatra

Various accommodation options are available near Puri during the famous Rath Yatra festival. Here are some of the good places to stay:

1. Hotels in Puri:

• Beach Resort Hotels: Luxury properties like The Crown, Mayfair Waves, and Hans Coco Palm Beach Resort line the Puri beach and provide a comfortable stay.
• Bhubaneswar Hotels: As Puri gets extremely crowded during the Yatra, many visitors prefer to stay in Bhubaneswar (60 km away) at hotels like The Crown, Mayfair, Trident, etc. and travel to Puri.
• Budget/Mid-Range Hotels: Several affordable options, like Hotel Nishabh, Hotel Shakuntalabad, and Hotel Siraz, close to the Jagannath Temple.

2. Resorts near Puri:

• Konark Beach Resorts: Lavish resorts like The Rio Resort and Ramada Khordha offer luxurious stays around 35 km from Puri, near Konark.
• Puri Countryside Resorts: Eco-resorts like Mobor KTDC Resort and Govardhan Farmstay provide tranquil accommodation with a short drive away.

3. Ashrams/Dharamshala:

Several ashrams and affordable dharmashalas are part of Odisha’s travel and tourism and are located near the Jagannath Temple area.

4. Home-Stays/Private Villas:

Platforms like Airbnb offer apartment rentals and homestays, which are a great option for experiencing local living during the holiday season.

Tips for Visiting the Jagannath Rath Yatra

Here are some useful tips for visiting the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri:

• Plan Well in Advance: The Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees, so planning your visit and booking accommodations/transportation several months in advance to avoid last-minute hassles is crucial.
• Choose Your Vantage Points: Secure a room with views of the Grand Road procession route or get details on special viewer galleries set up by authorities to witness the chariot pulling. Rooftops of lodges also provide good vantage points.
• Beat the Crowds: Reach the venue on the main Rath Yatra day as early as possible to get a prime spot along the procession route without jostling through massive crowds.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for Puri’s hot and humid weather. Carry umbrellas, sunglasses, and caps to combat the sun.
• Stay Hydrated: The summer heat and crowds can quickly dehydrate you. Ensure you have enough water, oral rehydration solutions, etc. to stay hydrated.
• Follow Security Guidelines: There are strict security checks in place. Cooperate with authorities and avoid carrying prohibited items like water bottles, eatables, sharp objects, etc.
• Be Aware of Pickpockets: With such a huge gathering, petty crime is a concern. Be vigilant about your belongings and avoid wearing excessive jewellery or carrying valuables.
• Have a Meeting Point: It’s easy to separate from your group in the sea of people. Pre-decide a meeting point or time in case you lose your way.
• Experience the Festivities: Apart from the main procession, explore the cultural programmes, fairs, and stalls and soak in the lively, devotional atmosphere around Puri.
• Show Respect and Patience: Maintain decorum on the temple premises, follow all rules, and have patience, as crowd management can be challenging during such a massive event.

How to Reach Jagannath Temple in Puri?

Here are the different ways to reach the Jagannath Temple in Puri for the famous Rath Yatra festival:

1. By Air:

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is around 60 km away from Puri. You can take a taxi or pre-arranged transport from the airport to reach Puri.

2. By Rail:

Puri is well-connected by rail and has its own railway station. Several trains operate from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai to Puri. The Jagannath Temple is around 3 km from the Puri railway station.

3. By Road:

Puri is accessible by road from all major cities in Odisha as well as neighbouring states. Some key routes:

• From Bhubaneswar: 60 km, well-connected by buses or taxis
• From Kolkata: 485 km
• From Visakhapatnam: 435 km
• From Raipur: 430 km

Several private bus operators and state transport corporations run buses to Puri, especially during Rath Yatra.

4. By Sea:

For those looking for an offbeat travel experience, cruises operate from Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to the Puri sea beach during the peak tourist season.

5. Within Puri:

The Jagannath Temple is located right in the heart of the city. You can take buses, auto-rickshaws, or cycle-rickshaws from landmarks like the Puri Railway Station or beach areas to reach the temple conveniently.

It is advisable to make your travel bookings well in advance, especially for the Rath Yatra period, as Puri sees an enormous influx of devotees. Having a decent travel plan can ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage.

The Puri Rath Yatra is a spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on those who witness it, taking them on a spiritual journey and filling them with awe and bliss in the presence of the divine. It is no wonder why this revered festival draws millions of devotees each year to Odisha’s sacred soil.

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