Jul 8, 2024
Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated mainly in the city of Puri, Odisha, and in other parts of India. Here are a few interesting facts about the grand event which kids should know.
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The annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from their temple to Gundicha Temple is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures.
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Lord Jagannath's annual Rath Yatra festival will be a two day affair this year, an occurrence that has happened after 53 years!
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Ratha Yatra is celebrated not only in India but also in various countries around the world where there is a significant Hindu community. Cities like London, New York, and Sydney host Ratha Yatra festivals attended by people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
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The festival features huge, elaborately decorated chariots (rathas) pulled by devotees through the streets. The chariots symbolize the journey of the deities to visit their aunt’s house and promote harmony among people.
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Ratha Yatra is a symbol of devotion and unity among people of different backgrounds and communities. It promotes the message of equality as devotees from all walks of life come together to pull the chariots.
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The destination of the chariots, Gundicha Temple, is associated with Queen Gundicha, who was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. The deities stay at Gundicha Temple for over a week before returning to their main temple.
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Before the journey begins, the deities are ceremonially brought out of their temple in a ritual called Pahandi Bije. This ritual involves gently swaying the deities as they are carried in a procession to the chariots.
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The construction of the chariots is a meticulous process involving traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each chariot is dedicated to a specific deity and is adorned with colorful fabrics, flowers, and motifs.
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A striking ritual of the Lord Jagannath's annual ratha yatra is a ritual where the Gajapat King of Puri, sweeps the floors of the chariot.
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Participating in Ratha Yatra is believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings upon devotees. It reinforces the importance of devotion, humility, and unity in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
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