Tag: Ratha Jatra

Ratha Jatra is famous across the world as this splendid event witness the spectacular union of the Supreme Power and his devotees, irrespective of caste and religion. Ratha Jatra is much more than just a symbolic journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from Srimandir to the Gundicha temple.

Lakhs of devotees have also converged on the Bada Danda, the Grand Road in Puri which is now bustling with activities ahead of the ceremonial pahandi of Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Rath Yatra, the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and His siblings Goddess Shubhadra and Lord Balabhadra from Srimandir to Gundicha Temple (their aunt's

After completion of anabasara rituals of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra at Srimandir, devotees throng shrine in large to witness Nabajaubana besha of the Holy Trinity.

Chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra taking shape at the Bada Danda in Puri.

Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra & sister Devi Subhadra adorned Hati Besha.

According to sources, as many as 170 platoons of police force will be deployed in the pilgrim town for the smooth and timely conduct of Rath Yatra, which will see a footfall of lakhs of devotees from across the globe.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed all departments to take special measures for the smooth conduct of the festival and draw up plans for devotees in view of the heatwave conditions. Patnaik virtually attended the last Rath Yatra coordination meeting held today.

Deba Snana Purnima or Snana Yatra is believed to be the birthday of Lord Jagannath. Because of this, the festival assumes importance. The main attraction of the festival is the Hati Besha of the deities, which is conducted after the Chhera Panhara ritual.

There are 12 main festivals of Lord Jagannath observed at Srimandir in Puri. Rath Yatra is one of them. This annual festival of nine-day sojourn of the deities to Gundicha temple, begins from the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Aashadha.

The much-awaited Bhaunri rituals of Rath Jatra will be celebrated in Puri on May 12 (tomorrow). During the occasion, Chaka-Akha Dera (fixing two wheels and axles of chariots) will be held. The day marks the end of 21-day Bahara (outer) Chandan Jatra which started from Akshay Tritiya. The next 21-day Bhitara (inner) Chadan Jatra will also begin from this day.

The return of the sibling deities to their holy abode Srimandir marks the end of the annual sojourn of the Lords. The final ritual conducted during Rath Yatra is Niladri Bije, the return of the deities back to sanctum sanctorum.

A day after Suna Besha (golden attire ritual), Lord Jagannath and His siblings are offered the Adhara Pana, a rich sweet drink made up of an assortment of milk, banana, cheese, black pepper, nutmeg, camphor and other ingredients and spices.

Odisha’s iconic sweet Rasagola assumes a special place in Jagannath culture, especially in Rath Yatra. On the last day of Rath Yatra festival, Goddess Laxmi is offered Rasagola as bhog as part of the age-old Niladri Bije rituals.

The Holy siblings – Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – dazzled in golden attire atop their chariots during Suna Besha ritual, also known as the Rajadhiraja Besha, today (July 10). Catch a few glimpses of the iconic ritual as Trinity receives a golden makeover.