Rath Yatra is a renowned festival in Odisha, celebrated with grandeur and devotion. Also known as the Car Festival or Chariot Festival in the West, Rath Yatra takes place annually in Puri, the sacred abode of Lord Jagannatha. This festival honors Lord Jagannatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During the festival, the wooden idols of Krishna, Balrama, and Subhadra are paraded in three magnificent chariots to their summer temple, a journey filled with vibrant rituals and immense devotion.
To participate in Rath Yatra, you need to travel to Puri, the spiritual epicenter in Odisha, India.
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How To Reach Puri for Rath Yatra
To reach Puri for the Rath Yatra, there are multiple travel options:
By Road
Odisha has a well-developed network of roads connecting it to major cities across India and nearby towns within the state. Traveling by road offers flexibility and the opportunity to witness the scenic beauty of the region.
By Rail
Puri is well-connected by rail to all significant cities in India. Regular train services ensure easy accessibility to the town. The Puri Railway Station is conveniently located close to the main town area, making it a popular choice for travelers.
By Air
For those preferring to fly, the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, approximately 56 kilometers from Puri. Bhubaneswar serves as the main gateway to Puri, with frequent flights connecting it to various Indian cities. Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, you can travel to Puri by road.
Travel Tips:
Accommodation: Puri attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists during Rath Yatra. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
Participation: On the day of Rath Yatra, wake up early and prepare to join the festivities by 6 am. The experience is both spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching.
Rath Yatra in Puri is an extraordinary festival that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Odisha. By planning your journey well in advance and choosing the right mode of transportation, you can fully immerse yourself in the divine celebration of Lord Jagannatha.
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How to Celebrate Rath Yatra Festival
During this festival the three idols are visited at the Gundicha temple sitting with the most beautiful decorative chariots, accompanied by chants and conches and devotees. Before the Rath Yatra festival, the idols are bathed in 108 full buckets of water which are known as Snana Purnima. During this time period, they are placed in isolation as it is believed that they are ill. This event is known as Ansara.
– The royal succession of Odisha performs the sacred rite Chhera Pahara on procession day. Numerous crowds of locals and worshippers congregate near the temple. On this day the King is brought gods from the temple at the Chehra Pahara rite. The King himself sweeps the chariot, before setting them. This ceremony demonstrates that everyone is equal in God’s eyes.
– Three Lords stayed for 9 days at Gundicha Temple.
-After 9 days, they return to their house. The three Lords’ return journey is known as the “Bahuda Yatra.” They arrived at the Jagannath Temple in the evening and waited outside. Then next day the idols are dressed in new attire and wear a variety of gold jewelry on the following day, which is known as Suna Vesa. Following this day, the deities are once more brought into the sanctum sanctorum, and this is the end of Jagannath Puri’s Rath Yatra.
-The devotees come from various locations to attend the Rath Yatra each year.
Meaning of this Festival
Rich, poor, Brahmans, Sudras, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, and all other religious groups participate in this Rath Yatra and celebrate equally.
The Rath pulling ceremony is the most thrilling part of this event. During this festival, the body, mind, and spirit at that time were all resonating with spirituality. We experience different emotions. We can hear the sound of various Dhun, devotional music played on various instruments. Most people are dancing in a reverent manner. Everyone is moving, talking, and walking with holy joy.
All the services are freely available to everyone. And hundred of police platoons, fire departments, and special task forces are arranged there for devotees’ safety. There are numerous campgrounds set up where paying guests can stay. At the time of Rath Yatra, we may observe various handloom crafts from other cultures.
One of the big festivals to celebrate in the World. Anyone can’t explain this in words, you have to feel it instead of what the moment is like!
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