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Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Puri's Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the Ashadh month. Lord Jagannath is considered one of Lord Vishnu's principal avatars, and the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra represents peace, harmony, and brotherhood. Every year, thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and devotees go to Puri, Odisha, to participate in the Rath Yatra and boost their good fortune by pulling the chariot. Furthermore, it is stated that those who participate in the Rath Yatra experience a great deal of happiness and prosperity. This year, Shri Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is being celebrated on 7th July 2024.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Date And Time

- Sunrise: 5:51 AM, 7th July 2024

- Sunset: 7:12 PM, 7th July 2024

- Dwitiya Tithi Timing: 04:26 AM - July 08, 04:59 AM, 7th July 2024

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Significance Of This Chariot Festival

The Rath Yatra embodies centuries of history and culture. According to Hindu folklore, every year during Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, visits his aunt's temple in Gundicha. The beautiful parade, steeped in history and mythology, depicts the sacred being’s trek to their birthplace.

Seeing or participating in the Rath Yatra procession is considered to provide divine blessings and ensure spiritual advancement. The chanting of hymns, singing of devotional tunes, and sight of the stately chariots inspire followers to greater dedication and reverence.

The Rath Yatra is a magnificent celebration with deep roots in India's illustrious cultural history. The chariot-building ceremony marks the formal beginning of the nine-day festival on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. The wood for these chariots, which can only be built by Srimandir's carpenters, comes from the Daspalla forest. During the celebration, massive chariots are pulled through the streets to represent the yearly journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt's shrine in Puri, Odisha, known as the Gundicha shrine. It is said that during the festivities, Lord Jagannath sleeps for seven days before beginning his journey back.

The deity idols of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra Maharani are carried out in the chariots during the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. (Image Source: Canva)

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Rituals Of This Festival

The "Ratha Prathistha," or Puri Rath Yatra, begins with an invocation to the gods through special prayers and rituals. The three main gods, Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Balabhadra, are then seated in their own chariots.

After that, the ornately decorated chariots, known as "Badadanda," are pulled through the streets of Puri. "Ratha Tana," or the tugging of the Rathas, is the most exciting part of this event. Since drawing the Lord's chariot is a highly esteemed deed, religious people from all over the country come with a real desire to do so.

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The vibrant procession moves forward to the accompaniment of religious music played on tambourines, trumpets, or drums. In Puri, devotees throng the streets, hoping to see their lords. The final stop on the tour is the Gundicha Temple, thought to be the aunt of Lord Jagannath's home.

 

 

(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.)