Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023:

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most significant and grand festivals celebrated in Puri, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings - Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of devotees, who gather in Puri to witness the divine journey of the deities on elaborately decorated chariots.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Snana Yatra: The Rath Yatra commences with the Snana Yatra, a bathing ceremony of the deities. It takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha (May-June). The deities are bathed with 108 pitchers of water, infused with fragrant herbs and flowers, in public view. After the ritual, the deities fall ill and remain secluded for 15 days, known as "Anasara."

Hera Panchami: On the fifth day of Anasara, Devi Subhadra expresses her anger at Lord Jagannath for leaving her behind during the Rath Yatra. In a playful manner, she is brought back to the main temple amidst ceremonial fanfare.

Chhera Pahanra: On the day before the Rath Yatra, the Gajapati King of Puri sweeps the chariot floors with a golden broom, symbolizing the humility and equality of all beings before the divine.

Rath Yatra: The main event of the festival, Rath Yatra, takes place on the second day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha (June-July). The three deities are placed on their respective chariots - Nandighosa for Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalan for Subhadra. 

The chariots, magnificently adorned with colors, fabrics, and flower decorations, are drawn through the streets of Puri by thousands of devotees. The procession covers a distance of about 2 kilometers and reaches the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days.

Gundicha Yatra: The deities remain in the Gundicha Temple for nine days, and this phase is known as the Gundicha Yatra. Devotees throng the temple to seek blessings and have darshan of the deities.

Bahuda Yatra: On the tenth day of the bright half of Ashadha, the deities return to the main Jagannath Temple in the Bahuda Yatra or the return journey. The chariots are pulled back to the temple, and the deities resume their regular abode.

Sunabesa: On the way back to the temple, the deities halt for a while to witness the Sunabesa, a ceremonial appearance of the deities wearing gold and silver ornaments.

Adhar Pana: On reaching the temple, the deities are offered a special drink called "Adhar Pana," a mixture of milk, fruits, and spices, to break their nine-day fast.

 

History:

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra has ancient roots and is believed to have been celebrated for over a thousand years. The festival finds mention in ancient texts and epics like the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata. It is considered to have been initiated by the great saint and religious reformer, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in the 16th century, who played a significant role in popularizing the festival.

Dates for 2023:

The Rath Yatra dates may vary each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2023, the Rath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 10th.

Conclusion:

The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a spectacular display of devotion and faith, where millions of devotees come together to witness and participate in the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The festival's rituals, rich history, and grand celebrations make it a unique and awe-inspiring event that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The Rath Yatra is not only a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza that showcases the essence of unity, love, and spirituality, making it a symbol of India's diverse heritage and tradition.