The Festival of Chariots, or Ratha Yatra 2024, is one of the most important and colorful Hindu holidays observed yearly in Puri, Odisha. This spectacular celebration of culture and dedication will enthrall millions of people in 2024. The Jagannath Temple is an old and highly regarded shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
The Ratha Yatra festival dates back centuries and is rooted in various mythological stories. According to one popular legend, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, desires to visit their birthplace, Gundicha Temple, once a year. This journey is symbolized by the grand procession of chariots, marking the beginning of the Ratha Yatra.
Table of Contents
| Also called | Ghosha Jātrā |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Hindu |
| Type | Religious |
| Begins | Āshādha Shukla Dvitiyā |
| Ends | Āshādha Shukla Dashami |
| 2023 date | 20 June |
| 2024 date | 7 July, Sunday |
| 2025 date | 27 June, Friday |
| Frequency | annual |
History Of Jagannath Temple– Ratha Yatra 2024
A stunning example of Kalinga architecture is the Jagannath Temple, which was constructed in the twelfth century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The goddesses Subhadra, Balabhadra, and Lord Jagannath reside in this hallowed shrine. The festival of Ratha Yatra, which draws pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, is closely linked to the history of the Jagannath Temple.
Preparations for Ratha Yatra 2024
Ratha Yatra 2024 is being planned months in advance, with artisans building the enormous chariots for the gods. Every year, each chariot is constructed from scratch utilizing particular wood species and customary blueprints. The largest chariot belongs to Lord Jagannath and is named Nandighosa. Taladhwaja belongs to Balabhadra and Darpadalana to Subhadra.
The Chariot Festival: Day One
In a custom known as Pahandi, the gods are ceremoniously taken out of the Jagannath Temple on the day of the Ratha Yatra. Devotees are dancing and chanting in the streets during this colorful and joyful celebration. After that, the gods are mounted on their appropriate chariots and prepared to travel to Gundicha Temple.
The Journey to Gundicha Temple
The atmosphere is electrifying with excitement and dedication as thousands of devotees pull the chariots. There is singing, dancing, and nonstop hymn chanting during the three-kilometer trek to Gundicha Temple. The yearly pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their birthplace is represented by this procession.
Gundicha Temple and the Nine-Day Sojourn
Upon reaching Gundicha Temple, the deities are welcomed with elaborate rituals. They stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, during which various religious ceremonies and cultural events take place. This period is known as the Gundicha Yatra, where devotees can offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities.
Bahuda Yatra: The Return Journey
Nine days later, the gods set out on the Bahuda Yatra, a trek back to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees drag the chariots back to their original abode in this equally magnificent event. For the devotees, the trip back is a time of great joy and celebration.
Suna Besha: The Golden Attire
At the Ratha Yatra event, the Suna Besha, where the gods are decked out in gold jewelry and decorations, is one of the highlights. The day following the gods’ return to the Jagannath Temple is when this magnificent ceremony takes place. The finale of the Ratha Yatra celebrations is the stunning sight of the deities dressed in gold, drawing thousands of devotees.
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The 2024 Ratha Yatra is expected to be a magnificent celebration of history, culture, and religion. The pilgrims’ unwavering attitude of devotion is demonstrated by Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra’s trek from the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple and back. As we get up to witness this great celebration, let us welcome the depth of spirituality and cultural richness that come with Ratha Yatra.
Ratha Yatra 2024 is an event not to be missed, whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or someone eager to experience rich cultural traditions. Come experience this timeless festival with millions of people in Puri and be a part of its magnificent history.
Know more about Ratha Yatra on Wikipedia: Link
