Introduction:

Every year, the city of Puri in Odisha transforms into a sea of devotion, color, and joy as millions gather to celebrate one of the grandest Hindu festivals—Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots. This sacred event is not just a religious ritual but a divine celebration of love, devotion, and unity, as Lord Jagannatha—a form of Lord Vishnu—embarks on his annual journey outside the temple to bless his devotees.

Ratha Yatra is more than just a procession; it is a spiritual phenomenon that unites people across castes, faiths, and nationalities. The sight of the towering, elaborately decorated chariots moving through the streets, pulled by thousands of devotees, is both spiritually uplifting and visually spectacular.

The Significance of Ratha Yatra

Ratha Yatra is observed on the Dwitiya Tithi (second lunar day) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Ashadha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in June or July. The main deities of the Jagannatha temple—Lord Jagannatha, his elder brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra—leave their abode in a massive chariot procession to visit the Gundicha Temple, located a few kilometers away.

The journey commemorates the mythical visit of Lord Jagannatha to his aunt’s temple (Gundicha Temple), honoring Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, who built the Jagannatha temple. It is believed that Lord Jagannatha fulfills her invitation each year by residing in the Gundicha temple for eight days before returning to his main shrine.

The Rituals and Ceremonies

The Ratha Yatra celebrations span over several weeks, with rituals beginning about 18 days prior on the day of Snana Yatra, observed on Jyestha Purnima. On this day, the three deities are given a sacred ceremonial bath with 108 pots of water, symbolizing purification and preparation for the upcoming journey.

The day before Ratha Yatra, devotees perform Gundicha Marjana, a ritualistic cleaning of the Gundicha temple. This act of cleansing symbolizes purity, devotion, and hospitality for the Lord’s temporary stay.

The actual Ratha Yatra is the highlight of the festival. Enormous wooden chariots, each representing one deity, are pulled by thousands of devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), as chants of “Jai Jagannatha” echo through the air. The event is so inclusive that people from all walks of life—even non-Hindus—are allowed to pull the chariots, symbolizing universal access to the divine.

Post Yatra Events: Hera Panchami & Bahuda Yatra

Four days after the Ratha Yatra, the festival of Hera Panchami is celebrated. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannatha, visits Gundicha temple in search of her husband, symbolizing a divine marital drama full of symbolic emotions.

After eight days at Gundicha temple, the deities return to their original abode in a return journey called Bahuda Yatra, celebrated on Dashami Tithi. During this return trip, the Lord briefly halts at the Mausi Maa Temple (aunt’s shrine) dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini, where he accepts a special offering of Poda Pitha, a traditional baked sweet.

The return is carefully timed to be completed before Devshayani Ekadashi, when Lord Jagannatha is believed to enter a deep, four-month yogic slumber.

Global Recognition and Devotion

Ratha Yatra has gained worldwide recognition and is often called the Puri Car Festival by foreign travelers. It has inspired celebrations in various parts of the world, notably organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in cities like London, New York, Toronto, and Melbourne, spreading Vaishnavism and the glory of Lord Jagannatha across the globe.

Conclusion:

The Ratha Yatra of Puri is not just a festival—it’s a living spiritual tradition that combines myth, music, devotion, and community. It reminds us that even the Lord steps out of his sanctum to connect with devotees, showing humility, love, and compassion. Whether you witness it in Puri or celebrate it from afar, the spiritual energy of Ratha Yatra is bound to leave an imprint on your soul.

So this Ashadha, when the chariots roll out again, let your heart chant along:
“Jai Jagannatha! May the Lord of the Universe bless all beings.”