Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 date: Know history, significance, rituals and more
Puri Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2024: The Jagannatha Rath Yatra is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, drawing millions of devotees to the city of Puri in Odisha each year. This vibrant festival, which takes place on the second day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Asadh, typically falling in June or July, is a grand procession of immense chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. The streets come alive with the fervent chants of devotees, the rhythmic beats of drums, and the awe-inspiring sight of the elaborately decorated chariots. This event is not just a display of religious devotion but also a profound cultural spectacle that encapsulates the spirit and tradition of Odisha.
The Grand Procession of Jagannatha Rath Yatra
The Jagannatha Rath Yatra is a spectacular event featuring enormous chariots carrying the revered deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The festival is characterised by the rhythmic chanting of hymns and the enthusiastic participation of devotees pulling the chariots through the streets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of devotion and energy.
Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2024: Date and Timings
In 2024, the Jagannatha Rath Yatra will commence on July 7th. The Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 4:26 am, marking the start of this grand festival and will end on July 8 at 4:59 am.
- Dwitiya Tithi Begins - July 07, 2024 at 04:26 AM
- Dwitiya Tithi Ends - July 08, 2024 at 04:59 AM
History and Significance of Jagannatha Rath Yatra
The Jagannatha Rath Yatra has a rich history that dates back to between the 12th and 16th centuries. Various legends surround its origins. Some believe the festival symbolises Lord Krishna¡¯s visit to his mother¡¯s birthplace, while others attribute its beginning to King Indradyumna, who is said to have established the rituals.
Historical records indicate that the festival gained prominence during the reign of Odisha¡¯s Gajapati kings. Over centuries, the Jagannatha Rath Yatra has evolved, yet its core purpose remains a powerful expression of Odisha¡¯s cultural heritage and the deep faith of millions of devotees.
At the heart of the Jagannatha Rath Yatra is the symbolic journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of about 3 kilometers. This journey signifies the deities leaving their temple sanctum to bless the devotees.
Rituals of Jagannatha Rath Yatra
The Jagannatha Rath Yatra is marked by several captivating rituals:
- Rath Snana: A day before the procession, the deities undergo a ceremonial bath using 108 pots of aromatic water, symbolising their purification.
- Rath Pratistha: This involves the consecration of the chariots. Priests chant mantras and bless the newly constructed chariots, preparing them for the divine journey.
- Rath Yatra: The main chariot procession where thousands of devotees pull the chariots of the deities towards the Gundicha Temple, chanting hymns and celebrating with great fervor.
- Stay at Gundicha Temple: The deities reside at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, allowing devotees to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
- Bahuda Yatra: This marks the return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, again accompanied by a grand procession.
- Niladri Vijaya: The festival concludes with this ritual, where the chariots are dismantled, symbolising the end of the journey and the promise of the festival's renewal the following year.
The Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2024 promises to be a deeply spiritual and culturally rich event, embodying centuries of tradition and devotion. This festival not only showcases the vibrant heritage of Odisha but also brings together millions in a shared experience of faith and celebration.
FAQs:
Q. What is Jagannatha Rath Yatra?
Jagannatha Rath Yatra is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. It involves a grand procession of chariots carrying the deities Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
Q. When is Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2024?
Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2024 will be celebrated on July 7. The Dwitiya Tithi begins on July 7, 2024, at 4:26 AM and ends on July 8, 2024, at 4:59 AM.
Q. Why is Jagannatha Rath Yatra significant?
Jagannatha Rath Yatra holds great religious importance in Hinduism. Devotees believe that seeing the deities during this festival brings blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
Q. Where is Jagannatha Rath Yatra celebrated?
The festival is primarily celebrated in Puri, Odisha, but it is also observed in other parts of India and the world.
Q. What happens during Jagannatha Rath Yatra?
During the festival, the deities Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are taken out of their temple in three grand chariots. Devotees pull these chariots through the streets of Puri.
Q. How many chariots are used in the Rath Yatra?
Three chariots are used in the Rath Yatra, each carrying one of the deities: Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
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