Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date: It is known as the Ratha Jatra. This is a grand Hindu chariot festival celebrated annually in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival.
It celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath. His elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their younger sister Goddess Subhadra. It celebrates the journey from their home temple in Puri, Odisha to their aunt’s (Mausi) temple in Gundicha, about three kilometers away.
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 festival honors Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu or Krishna). Along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. It marks their ceremonial procession from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s abode. Let’s know about Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date History, Significance, and Timing.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date Overview
The Lord Jagannath temple in Odisha is world-famous. This Jagannath temple is one of the ‘4 Dham‘ of Hinduism. Every year, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath starts from this temple. This is a great and world-famous festival. This Rath Yatra starts every year on the second day of Shukla Paksha in month of Ashadh.
His elder brother Balram and sister Subhadra are also present in this Rath Yatra. Let me tell you that the festival of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra lasts for 10 days. Lord Jagannath returns from his aunt’s house on the 11th day. Let’s know about Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra history.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra History
Let’s delve into the fascinating Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra history. It is one of the most vibrant and ancient festivals in India. The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra transcends time and political boundaries. It celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. European travelers noted the festival since the 13th century. It has vivid descriptions emerging in the 17th century.
The Rath Yatra has been celebrated in Puri for over a millennium. Descriptions of the Ratha Yatra can be found in texts like the Brahma Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and the Kapila Samhita. Its origins trace back to the 12th century.
The Jagannath festival is believed to have been in existence since ancient times. It dates back to the 12th century CE. When King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva built the Jagannath temple. According to some historians, this Rath Yatra started 5500 years ago. It has been continued from the time of Dwapar Yuga till today.
According to Hindu scriptures. It commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his maternal aunt’s place. The Gundicha Temple. The festival is steeped in devotion, tradition, and cultural significance. Let us know about the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Significance.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra Significance
Jagannath Rath Yatra symbolizes more than just a procession. It is a divine journey. It represents the spiritual journey of our lives. Let’s explore the profound the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra significance. A festival that weaves together devotion, legend, and vibrant traditions.
Chariot Procession
- The three deities are drawn in massive wooden chariots by devoted crowds along the grand avenue (Bada Danda).
- The chariots are:
- Nandighosa (Jagannath’s chariot). It has 16 wheels and the height of this chariot is 44.2 feet.
- Taladhwaja (Balabhadra’s chariot). It has 14 wheels and the height of this chariot is 43.3 feet.
- Darpadalana (Subhadra’s chariot). It has 12 wheels and the height of this chariot is 42.3 feet.
- The procession proceeds to the Gundicha Temple. Where the deities stay for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple (Bahuda Yatra).
Unique Rituals
- On the fifth day after Rath Yatra, Goddess Lakshmi’s ritual takes place.
- During the return journey, the deities stop near the Mausi Maa Temple to enjoy Poda Pitha, a special pancake considered their favorite.
- Over 42 days, skilled artisans use more than 4,000 pieces of wood to build magnificent chariots.
- These are small marvels of architecture. These chariots become vessels for the deities.
- On the day of the procession, millions of people gather.
- A “king” sweeps the road with a golden mop. The 18-wheeled chariots move forward. This is the largest chariot procession worldwide.
Juggernaut and Unity
- The grandeur of this procession inspired the term “Juggernaut” in the English language.
- Hindus, Muslims, and Christians all stand united during the Rath Yatra. Divisions dissolve as hearts beat as one.
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date
If you also want to join the journey to Jagannath temple in Odisha. Then join this journey soon. Because this is the beginning of the holy Rath Yatra. Let me now tell you the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date and Timing.
| Festival | Date |
|---|---|
| Rath Yatra Day Starts | Saturday, 29 June 2024 |
| Bahuda Yatra | Sunday, 07 July 2024 |
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Timing
| Ritual | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangaraja Bije | Early Morning |
| Pahandi Bije | 9 am |
| Chhera Pahanra | 11 am |
| Pulling of the Rath | 2 pm |
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Tithi
| Tithi | Date and timing |
|---|---|
| Dwitiya Tithi Begins | Sunday, 04:26 am on Jul 07, 2024 |
| Dwitiya Tithi Ends | Monady, 04:59 am on Jul 08, 2024 |
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 Date: Conclusion
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024 date is a living celebration of devotion, tradition, and community spirit. When the chariots return to the Jagannath temple, the essence of devotion remains intact. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is not just history. It is a living legend. We should be proud of our history. This can bring peace to the world.
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