Rath Yatra — The Grand Chariot Festival
Rath Yatra (ରଥଯାତ୍ରା) is one of the oldest and largest religious festivals in the world. Held annually in Puri, Odisha, it attracts millions of devotees who come to witness Lord Jagannath's journey through the streets on a massive wooden chariot.
The Three Chariots
Three enormous chariots carry the deities from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple:
| Chariot | Deity | Height | Wheels | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandighosa | Lord Jagannath | 45 feet | 16 | Red & Yellow |
| Taladhwaja | Lord Balabhadra | 44 feet | 14 | Red & Blue |
| Darpadalana | Goddess Subhadra | 43 feet | 12 | Red & Black |
"The word 'Juggernaut' in English comes from 'Jagannath' — showing the global impact of this festival."
The Journey
The Rath Yatra covers a distance of about 3 kilometers from the main temple to Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for nine days before returning.
Key Events:
- ✦Snana Yatra — Bathing ceremony (15 days before)
- ✦Anasara — Deities fall "ill" and are hidden
- ✦Nabajauban Darshan — Deities appear in new form
- ✦Rath Yatra — Main chariot procession
- ✦Bahuda Yatra — Return journey (9 days later)
The Chariots
Each chariot is newly built every year from scratch using:
- ✦Daru — Sacred wood from specified trees
- ✦Traditional construction without nails
- ✦Covered with colorful cloth canopies
Building the chariots takes 2 months and involves hundreds of carpenters (vishwakarmas).
Significance
Religious
- ✦Lord Jagannath visits his aunt's home (Gundicha Temple)
- ✦Devotees believe pulling the rope grants moksha (liberation)
- ✦Everyone, regardless of caste, can participate
Cultural
- ✦Demonstrates Odishan craftsmanship
- ✦Unites millions in shared devotion
- ✦Inspiration for Rath Yatras worldwide (including ISKCON)
When Is It Celebrated?
Rath Yatra falls on the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Ashadha (June-July) according to the Hindu calendar.
Famous Traditions
- ✦Chhera Pahanra — The King of Puri sweeps the chariot floor
- ✦Pahandi — Rocking procession of deities to chariots
- ✦Adhara Pana — Offering of sweet drink to Lord Jagannath
Rath Yatra Around the World
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) organizes Rath Yatra festivals in:
- ✦New York
- ✦London
- ✦San Francisco
- ✦And 100+ cities worldwide
Related: Odia Culture • Jagannath Temple History