Rath Yatra 2023 (India): Rath Yatra is celebrated on the second day of the two-week-long Hindu calendar month of Ashadha, which occurs on June 20 this year. Typically, the festival occurs between June and July. Millions of devotees from all over India converge on the pilgrimage city of Puri, Odisha, to take part in Lord Jagannath’s chariot procession. Rath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is believed to have been observed since the beginning of time. Following the Mangalaparna ceremony, enormous wooden chariots travel approximately three kilometres to reach the Shree Gundicha Temple.
HISTORY OF RATH YATRA
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. Every year, devotees draw a majestic procession carrying statues of Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra to the Jagannath temple.
Lord Jagannath, the supreme deity of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), is honoured on his voyage by the Yatra. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated annually at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, a city in the Indian state of Odisha. During the holy month of Ashahdha, the senior siblings of Lord Jagannath are venerated. As Lord Jagannath is believed to be a tribal deity, numerous hill communities of Odisha participate in the festival’s execution.
At least a month before the festival, preparations commence. The deities are transported by three massive chariots constructed from Neem wood. Approximately 1,400 skilled carpenters construct the chariot from conception. The three chariots are constructed using only wooden pegs and old-fashioned joints, with no measuring measure, nails, or adhesives. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is approximately 44 feet tall, with red and yellow-colored axles. In contrast, the other two chariots are 43 and 42 feet tall to represent the ascendancy of the youngest siblings over their father.
The word Jagannath is derived from the letters ‘Jagat’ and ‘Nath,’ which together mean “Lord of the Universe.” The festival represents the Hinduism governing principles of Saivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism.
Five Interesting RATH YATRA Facts
The chariots of accuracy
Each year, over a thousand craftsmen collaborate to construct three enormous chariots using ancient carpentry techniques.
The mystical precipitation
According to the temple’s archives, there has never been a Rath Yatra that did not receive rain.
One million people
In 2015, there were as many as 1,750,000 persons who participated in the Rath Yatra.
A fresh start
The chief temple steward cleanses the chariot’s floor with a broom before it moves forward.
A view of God.
Since non-Hindus are prohibited from entering the temple, the idol of Lord Jagannath steps out of the sanctuary to reach the people.
RATH YATRA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 1 | Friday |
| 2023 | June 20 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | July 7 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | July 16 | Thursday |
