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The Rath Yatra is a very popular and significant religious event, which is held during the months of June or July. Celebrated for about 10 days, this carnival of devotion is associated with Jagannath Temple in Puri. It features the beautifully decorated, colourful chariots in which deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees towards Gundicha Ghar, to gain the divine blessings of Lord.
The famous Rath Yatra starts from Jagannath Temple and culminates at Gundicha Ghar. Gundicha Ghar is the abode of Lord and his siblings’ aunt, Gundicha. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balbhadra, and his younger sister Subhadra take a week-long holiday at their aunt’s house every year! This belief symbolizes Indian culture’s unique capacity to endow their Gods with humanely elements. To carry forward this mythical tradition, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra are placed in three magnificently adorned chariots and carried to Gundicha Ghar Temple, which is located 3km from the Jagannath Temple.
During Rath Yatra, the grand chariots made of sal wood are followed by the decorated trucks, elephants, motor vehicles and numerous pilgrims on foot. The whole city becomes lively. On the day of the journey, three chariots - the red and blue clothed Taladwaja, the red and yellow clothed Nandighosa, and red and black clothed Darpadalan- are placed in line, in front of the temple. Nandighosa is the name of Lord Jagannath’s chariot and Taladwaja is the name of the chariot of Balbhadra. Darpadalan is the name of Subhadra’s chariot. Then deities are placed in their respective chariots. The King of Puri, the living symbol of Lord Jagannath, sweeps the chariots with golden broom and scented water. Then the thousands of pilgrims pull the chariots with ropes. On reaching Gundicha Ghar, Lord Jagannath receives a welcome by Gundicha, with specially prepared rice known as ‘Padoapitha’.
The deities return to Jagannath Temple after a sojourn of seven days in the Gundicha Ghar Temple. This return journey is known as Ulta Rath Yatra or Bahuda Yatra. The Rath Yatra is truly a worth watching event and encapsulates the colourful expressions of the ancient and vibrant culture of India, which refuses to ebb away despite the onslaughts of modernization. Thousands of devotees from all over the world visit Puri to participate in the Rath Yatra, which amounts to an experience of a lifetime of sorts.
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