Jagannath Rathyatra

Jagannath Rathyatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most magnificent and ancient religious processions in the world, held annually in Puri, Odisha. It celebrates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Goddess Subhadra from their main temple to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt's home. The festival falls on the Dwitiya (second day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha.

The three deities are placed on enormous, elaborately decorated wooden chariots (Rathas) and pulled by thousands of devotees through the grand avenue called Bada Danda. Lord Jagannath's chariot, Nandighosa, has 16 wheels; Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, has 14 wheels; and Subhadra's chariot, Darpa-Dalan, has 12 wheels. The sheer scale, spiritual fervor, and communal participation make Rathyatra a breathtaking expression of Bhakti (devotion) and unity.

The festival symbolizes the accessibility of the divine to all, transcending caste, creed, and social status. During Rathyatra, even non-Hindus who are not allowed inside the main temple can have the Darshan of the deities. The nine-day stay at Gundicha Temple, the return journey (Bahuda Yatra), and the Suna Besa (golden attire) ceremony are integral parts of this grand spiritual event that attracts millions from across the globe.