The annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, marks the nine-day visit of the holy trinity to their birthplace at Gundicha Temple. This year, the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra will be particularly significant due to some rare occurrences.
Date: Pulling of chariots will begin at 5 pm on July 7.
The town of Puri in Odisha is preparing for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The annual journey of the divine trinity—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra—draws devotees and visitors from across India and abroad to Puri.
According to the Hindu Calendar, the Rath Yatra is held on the Dwitiya Tithi, or the second day of Shukla Paksha, in the month of Ashadha. This year, the festival will commence on Sunday, July 7, and conclude with Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath with his siblings, on July 16.
Lord Jagannath, considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the ruler of the universe. The annual Rath Yatra signifies the nine-day visit of the holy trinity to their birthplace at Gundicha Temple.Rare Occurrence After 53 Years
This year’s Rath Yatra will be notable due to a rare alignment of events that has not occurred in 53 years.
Events Aligning: Netrotsav, Nabajoubana Darshan, and Rath Yatra will all fall on the same day, a phenomenon last seen in 1971. Due to this, the temple administration has decided not to allow Nabajoubana Darshan for devotees to ensure timely completion of rituals.
Anasara Period: This year, the Anasara period will be 13 days instead of the usual 15.
On July 7, the festivities will begin with the Mangal Alati at 2 am, followed by the Netra Utsav Bandhapana at 4 am. The Daitapati servitors will perform the Chhenapatta Lagi Seva between 7:30 am and noon to prepare the deities for their journey.
Chariot Consecration: Completed by 11 am.
Ceremonial Pahandi: Held between 1:10 pm and 2:30 pm.
Chhera Pahanra Ritual: Performed by the King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, at 4 pm.
Chariot Pulling: Begins at 5 pm.
Despite some changes this year, the spirit of the festival remains the same. Devotees from around the world will gather to witness and participate in this grand event, praying for the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
