Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's most famous, oldest, and significant festivals. The devotees celebrate this holy festival with great enthusiasm, joy, and energy. It is celebrated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, where thousands of devotees arrive to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath. This temple is among the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. This festival is also recognized as the Chariot Celebration of God Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra. This auspicious festival is celebrated every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month. Jagannath depicts the Lord or Natha of the Universe or Jaga. It is believed that Lord Jagannath is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. There are several mythological beliefs prevalent in the celebration of this festival.
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023?
This year, this holiest festival will start on June 20, Tuesday. The preparations for the festival start a month. This Rath Yatra commences when the deities' three wooden chariots are properly decorated. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosha, the chariot of Devi Subhadra is recognized as Darpadalana, and the chariot of Lord Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja. A massive number of devotees pull these three holy chariots. They believe the divine sight of all three deities will help wash off and eradicate their sins. They also have faith that the devotees who pull the chariot will achieve salvation.
Significance and Other Details
After being cleansed and dressed, the three statues are transferred from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple in a massive ceremony. It is believed by the devotees that Lord Jagannath lives in the Gundicha Temple for seven days, and then he returns to his primary abode. It is also believed that visiting this temple during this duration is highly promising and significant. The return Yatra, or the Bahuda Yatra, will happen on June 28, 2023, Wednesday. This Yatra happens on the tenth day of Ashadha month. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a very important and famous annual event in Odisha, India. We wish that May Lord fulfils all your wishes and dreams are achieved. May Lord brings happiness, success, and real bliss into your life!