Rath Yatra || Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra holds an immense significance among Hindus. This day is considered to be one of the most important and auspicious. The festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated on a grand level. A large number of devotees from across the country celebrate this festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is mainly celebrated in Puri state of Odisha state. This day is celebrated on Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha.
Jagannath Rath Yatra has a great significance in Hindu religion. This festival is dedicated to worship Lord Krishna along with elder brother Balbhadra and younger sister Subhadra. The celebration starts from Snana Purnima. The three chariots are the centre of attraction during this festival. Te Puri Jagannath Temple is decorated every year with different flowers, rangoli and lights. The festival of Jagannath Puri was started in 12th century. This temple is one of the oldest temples in India.
On this auspicious day, the idols of Balram, Jagannath and Subhadra come out from the Puri Jagannath Temple. Devotees place the idols on big chariots. After that, they use thick ropes and are pulled by the devotees all over the city. It is believed that by pulling the chariots, Lord Jagannath blesses the devotees with great happiness, prosperity and these people get rid of all the obstacles and attain salvation.
During the festival, three deities (Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra) are drawn by a multitude of devotees in three massive, wooden chariots on bada danda (the grand avenue) to Gundicha Temple whereby they reside there for a week and then return to the Jagnannath temple.
