Festivals
Date
Jagannatha Ratha Yatra
About
Jagannatha Ratha Yatra is one of the world's oldest and largest religious processions. It celebrates the annual journey of Lord Jagannatha (a form of Vishnu), his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from their main temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple.
Significance:
The festival symbolizes the Lord's desire to step out of his sanctum to bless all devotees, regardless of caste or creed. It is believed that even a glimpse of the Lord on his chariot (Ratha) can grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Chariot Pulling: Thousands of devotees pull the massive wooden chariots through the streets of Puri. 2. Pahandi: The ritualistic movement of the deities from the temple to the chariots. 3. Chhera Pahanra: The King of Puri sweeps the platforms of the chariots with a golden broom, signifying that everyone is a servant of the Lord. 4. Gundicha Stay: The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days before returning in the Bahuda Yatra.