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Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024: One of the biggest celebrations in India is the Yatra Festival, held in honour of Lord Jagannath of Puri. It is a magnificent show, a cultural extravaganza, and a great celebration. Adorned as the Festival of Chariots, it attracts throngs of enthusiastic followers. This year, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival will be observed on 7th July 2024.

Let us check out 7 interesting facts about this grand chariot festival.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024: 7 Interesting Facts About Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Festival

1. The three gods of the Jagannath Temple, Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra, ride in three distinct chariots. Ratha Yatra is also known as the Festival of Chariots for this reason. Their different chariots are called Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Devadalana. Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha Chariot has up to eighteen wheels, Lord Balaram's Taladhwaja Chariot has sixteen wheels, and Subhadra's Padmadhwaja Chariot has fourteen wheels.

2. A Hindu temple's construction is reminiscent of the top of Lord Jagannath's and the other two deities' chariots. Hundreds of pilgrims and devotees pull the chariots with ropes, creating an enthralling display of fervour and dedication. Almost 1200 metres of fabric are used to make the chariot canopies. 15 tailors work together to create the canopies.

3. The fact that the gods' chariots are built from scratch each year is among the most fascinating aspects of the Rath Yatra. Wood is one of the new materials utilised in building. The chariots' type, construction, style, and proportions, however, never change. Each chariot has four wooden horses fastened to the front.

4. Devotees who have pushed the chariots at the Odisha Rath Yatra Festival report that, as the celebration starts, Lord Jagannath first appears unwilling to move, regardless of the hundreds of people pushing and pulling in front of him. Despite intense pressure and pull, Lord Jagannath's chariot appears to remain still. After several hours of celestial labour, the Lord grants permission to proceed and His chariot begins to move.

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival honours Lord Jagannath and his siblings Baldev and Subhadra. (Image Source: Canva)

5. After spending nine days in the Gundicha Temple, Lord Jagannath and His siblings stop their route to their own home. The Lords’ favourite dessert is poda pitha, which is widely consumed in Odisha. On the way back, they can't resist sneaking a taste of their favourite food.

6. The Bargarh district of Orissa commemorated the Rath Yatra celebration differently in 2007. The event was unique and had nothing to do with the customary rituals. To raise awareness of the need to protect the environment and forests, herbal plants and saplings were placed in place of the idols atop chariots. It was India's inaugural Green Rath Yatra, which was followed by the planting of trees.

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7. Do you know why, one week before the celebration, the Puri Jagannath Temple's main door is kept closed? It is believed that the ruling god, Lord Jagannath, gets a high fever and needs to relax during this period. For this limited time, the sanctum sanctorum is not accessible to the general public. The Lord takes a vacation after the time of rest and visits his maternal aunt's home once again.

 

 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)