Ratha Yatra Puri : The Chariot Festival

Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha, particularly in the city of Puri. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, and commemorates his annual visit to his aunt’s house. Click here to buy now (purikhaja.com/).

The festival usually takes place in the month of June or July and lasts for several days. The main attraction of Ratha Yatra is the procession of three enormous chariots, which are pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri. The chariots are built anew each year and are beautifully decorated. The three chariots represent Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. Click here to buy now (https://purikhaja.com/product/garnished-exotic-khaja/).

The procession begins at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on their respective chariots. The chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees, who consider it an honor and a religious duty to participate in the procession. The chariots are pulled from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometers away. The procession is accompanied by devotees singing devotional songs, playing musical instruments, and dancing in joyous celebration. Click here to buy now (https://pencilforchange.com/product/lord-jagannath-black-idol/).
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The journey of the chariots is a symbolic representation of Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s house. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Jagannath leaves his temple for a few days to spend time with his aunt, who is said to be angry with him. The deities remain at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, and then the chariots are pulled back to the Jagannath Temple in a return procession known as Bahuda Yatra.  Click here to buy now (https://purikhaja.com/product/jagannath-puri-khaja/).

Ratha Yatra is a highly significant festival for devotees of Lord Jagannath. It attracts a large number of pilgrims from all over India and even from other parts of the world. The festival is marked by a spirit of joy, devotion, and unity among the devotees who come together to participate in the grand procession and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Click here to buy now (https://purikhaja.com/product/pure-ghee-puri-khaja/).

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