What Is Rath Yatra | When is Rath Yatra in India?

What is Rath Yatra?

By Intimate Viewpoint 

Rath Yatra is a Chariot festival. It is celebrated in India prominently. Except for India, the Rath Yatra is also celebrated in many countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc.

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There also, this festival is celebrated at the same time as it is celebrated in India and the term refers samely to the popular Rath Yatra of Puri. Lord Jagannath is involved with his siblings in the Rath Yatra of Nepal and Sri Lanka as in India. In other words, in the Rath Yatra in Nepal and Sri Lanka lord Jagannath is seated in the Rath (Chariot) along with his brother and sister and Sudarshan Chakra (his weapon).

Rath Yatra in Puri (Orissa) 

Puri is a state of Orissa. Puri Rath Yatra is the largest and most visited in the world. A large crowd from different parts of the world gather here every year. Rath Yatra is also called "Ghosha Yatra" in Puri.

The preparation for Rath Yatra in Puri 

The preparation for the Rath Yatra begins months in advance. The three huge chariots are made for Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balbhadra, and his younger sister Subhadra.

Each Chariot is constructed from a particular wood species and the customary figuration. The largest Chariot, named 'Nandighosa' belongs to Lord Jagannath, 'Taladhwaja' belongs to Balbhadra, and 'Darpadalana' to Subhadra. Later after, on the day of the Rath Yatra, the three deities are taken out from the Jagannath temple, this custom is known as Pahandi. The large crowd of devotees dance and chant in the street during this splendid celebration. After that the duties are mounted on their particular Chariot and taken to the Gundicha temple at 3 km distance from the Jagannath temple. The Chariots are pulled by 1000 devotees.