“The Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024, a significant Hindu festival, will take place on July 7, 2024. During this grand event in Puri, Odisha, devotees witness chariot processions of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbhadra, and Subhadra, adorned with ornate decorations. Learn more about its religious significance and vibrant celebrations.” 🌟
The temple town of Puri, located on the Bay of Bengal in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, is home to Lord Jagannath, who is the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. The 7th of July in 2024 will mark the celebration of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024.
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024
The second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh is the day when Puri celebrates the Jagannath Rath Yatra. One of the main incarnations of Lord Vishnu is Lord Jagannath Srihari and Puri Jagannath Rath Jatra 2024 is a representation of peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
Thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and devotees make their way to Puri in Odisha every year to participate in the Rath Yatra and improve their luck by pulling the chariot. Additionally, individuals who participate in the Rath Yatra are said to experience an abundance of pleasure and success.
- Sunrise: July 07, 5:51 AM
- Sunset: July 07, 7:12 PM
- Dwitiya Tithi Timing: July 07, 04:26 AM – July 08, 04:59 AM
This year’s grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be in Puri over two days, July 7 and 8, 2024. This year, after 53 years, the Rath Yatra, Netra Utsav, and Nabajaubana Darshan all coincide on July 7, the same day. as a celestial event. The deities will be brought to the Shree Gundicha temple on July 8.
The Significance of Rath Yatra 2024
Centuries of history and culture have been invested in the Rath Yatra. Hindu legend says that every year during the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, visits the shrine of his aunt at the Gundicha shrine.
A spectacular procession rich in history and mythology represents the journey of the holy creatures to their native home. For devotees, Puri Rath Yatra has great spiritual significance.
It is said that seeing or participating in the Rath Yatra procession bestows heavenly blessings and guarantees spiritual upliftment. Deeper devotion and respect are fostered among the devotees by chanting hymns, chanting devotional tunes, and gazing at the majestic chariots.
How is Rath Yatra celebrated?
A grandiose festival with strong roots in India’s rich cultural past is the Rath Yatra. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the nine-day celebration officially begins with the construction of the chariot. The Daspalla forest provides the wood for these chariots, which can only be built by Srimandir’s carpenters.
During the festival, large chariots are drawn through the streets to symbolize the annual trip of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to the shrine of Gundicha, the shrine of their aunt, in Puri, Odisha. It is said that before Lord Jagannath starts his journey back, we doze for seven days during the celebrations.
Rath Yatra is unique as it is unlike any other event. Devotees come from far and wide to witness the grandeur of the occasion and remember their ancestors and culture.
Rituals During the Puri Rath Yatra
Also known as ‘Ratha Prathistha’, the Puri Rath Yatra event begins with a call to the Gods through unique prayers and customs. Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Balabhadra, the three main deities, then sit in their separate chariots.
Elaborately decorated chariots, called ‘Badadanda’, are then pulled through the streets of Puri. The most exciting aspect of this ceremony is the ‘Ratha Tana’ or the attraction of the Rathas. Devout people from all over the nation come with a sincere desire to pull the Lord’s chariot because it is a highly honored act.
A colorful procession proceeds to the tune of religious melodies played on tambourines, trumpets, or drums. Devotees throng the streets of Puri hoping to catch a glimpse of their masters. Finally, the procession reaches the Gundicha temple, which is said to be the abode of Lord Jagannath’s aunt.
The Chariots of Puri Rath Yatra 2024
Local painters decorate all three wooden cars. Lord Jagannath’s, the largest of the three chariots, has 16 huge wheels and is 44 feet tall. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot has 14 wheels and is 43 feet tall, while Goddess Subhadra’s chariot is 42 feet tall and has 12 wheels.
People rush to help pull the wagons, believing that doing so will earn them good deeds and penance for their mistakes. Lord Balaram’s chariot is pulled first for the Puri Rath Yatra, followed by Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath.
Puri to Gundicha temple is 3 kilometers though Puri Rath Yatra takes two hours due to crowds. The goddesses stay in the temple for nine days where devotees can see them before returning to Puri. The return journey is Bahuda Yatra. On the way back, Poda Pitha is introduced to the goddess at the Mausi Maa temple (their aunt’s home).
Lord Jagannath liked this poor man’s cuisine. Puri Rath Yatra is the oldest and largest annual festival in India. He is referred to in the Skanda, Brahma, and Padma Puranas. Apart from the religious aspect, this Puri Rath Yatra also symbolizes the brotherhood of people who meet here from different socio-economic systems and countries.