India abounds with the most exciting festivals that are celebrated with great splendor. It’s the time when everyone gets together and the streets are filled with excitement exuding in the air. One such festival is the grand Rath Yatra that takes place every year in Puri, Odisha. We’re sure you’ve heard about the famous Jagannath Puri and pilgrims going every year to seek their blessings. Every year, on the second day of the month of Ashadha, a humongous yatra (procession) begins from the Jagannath Temple and is taken all around the city. In this tour, the locals of Puri and devotees from all over the world participate and are teeming with exhilaration.
Why Is The Rath Yatra Celebrated In Odisha?
There are two tales behind the celebration of the prominent Rath Yatra that are believed by the majority. The first one pulsates around the legendary Lord Jagannath (an avatar of Lord Krishna), his brother Balabdhara, and his sister Subhadra. It’s believed that the three siblings were longing for a change in scenery and decided to visit their aunt’s home – now known as the Gundicha Temple. Every year, the Rath Yatra reenacts its journey to Puri with great fervor. Another legend revolves around Lord Krishna’s journey to Mathura with Balaram. It speaks about the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Either way, this festival is all about celebrating happiness and welcoming the good in all its glory.
How To Get To Puri, Odisha?
By Air
For the quickest and the least tiring form of transportation, booking a flight is your best option. Although Puri doesn’t have an airport of its own, the closest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneshwar – the capital of Odisha. It has a consistent frequency of domestic flights and is at a distance of 49 km from Puri. Once you land, you can easily have a taxi drop you at your desired destination.
By Train
Puri has its railway station and most of the Chennai-Calcutta trains make a halt there. So, if you’d rather travel more but have a scenic route to enjoy, you can opt for a train.
By Road
To get to Puri by road, there are buses available from Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar. There’s a bus stand very close to Gundicha Temple, making it very accessible.
About The Rath Yatra Celebrations
Imagine colossal chariots that tower over a crowd of thousands devotees that have gathered from all over the world. The energy is electric as devotees throng the streets, chanting and pulling the ropes. For nine glorious days, devotees immerse themselves in the magic of Rath Yatra. The highlight? A grand juggernaut takes place where the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra embark on a majestic chariot ride to the Gundicha Temple.
As mentioned in sacred texts like the Padma Purana, it commemorates the day Lord Krishna, or Lord Jagannath as he’s known here, decided to visit the Gundicha Temple with his siblings. A huge number of artists, carpenters, and tailors are employed during the making of the chariot. The tailors are known to stitch a cloth that’s as long as 1200 m! Each year, devotees relive this momentous journey, filling the air with joyous chants and exuberant energy.
Summing Up
To watch the Indian culture unfold at its best, we highly recommend you visit the Rath Yatra. It’s a spiritual experience that puts you in awe of faith by the end of it. You’ll see devout devotees patiently waiting to seek blessings from the majestic chariot and participate in the 11-day-long festival.
FAQs
How Long Does Ratha Yatra Last?
The celebrations of Ratha Yatra last for a total of nine days.
What To Do In Rath Yatra?
In Rath Yatra, the devotees pull the humongous chariots with loud chants and the beating of gongs along with religious songs.
Is It Good To Go To Puri During Rath Yatra?
Absolutely! It’s a spiritual experience where the energy is emitting from every single person visited and the air is full of positive and hyped vibrations.
