Jagannath Rathyatra 2023: Date, History, Significance, Rituals

Jagannath Rathyatra 2023: On June 20 of this year, one of the holiest celebrations in Odisha, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, will begin. The Hindu calendar is used to coordinate the grand festival. The annual celebration occurs on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha.

The day holds great significance for devotees of Lord Jagannatha. On this day, Lord Jagannatha, whose name also translates as “Lord of the Universe,” is transported out of the temple on magnificent chariots. The Grand Road is used to transport the three idols to Gundicha Temple. The idols remain there for a period of time before returning to the main temple.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2023: Date and Time

On June 20 of this year, the auspicious Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will take place. The Jagannath Yatra will begin at 10:04 pm on June 20 and conclude at 7:09 pm on June 21. The preparations for the festival commence months in advance.

The royal Rath Yatra commences once the three deities have been installed on the adorned chariots. Nandighosha is the name of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Taladhwaja is the name of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, and Darpadalan is the name of Goddess Subhadra’s chariot. These chariots are drawn by a multitude of devotees.

History of Jagannath Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra festival in Puri has a long history and was initiated by the Ganga Dynasty in 1150. This was the festival that became known as Rath Yatra of Puri throughout the entirety of India. At the same time, this was the first Indian festival about which foreigners learned in the western world. Famous discoverers like Marco Polo have also written about this festival in their journals.

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Rituals

Before the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannatha’s devotees sanitise the Gundicha Temple for his comfortable stay. On the day of the yatra, three unique chariots are prepared for Lord Jagannatha, his sibling Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra. The chariots of all three are pulled to the destination by a massive throng.

Nandighosha is the name of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Taladhwaja is the name of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, and Darpadalan is the name of deity Subhadra’s chariot. On the day of the Rath Yatra, the servants carry the deities to their chariots in a traditional procession known as Pahandi Bije.

The chariots are then purified by the monarch of Puri, known as Gajapati and the first servant of Lord Jagannath. During this event, which is known as Chhera Pahara, the horses clear the chariots. After this ceremony, the devotees draw the chariots towards the Gundicha temple.