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India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
5 rituals that make Rath Yatra in Puri truly unforgettable
Every year, the town of Puri in Odisha bursts into colour, chants, and chariot wheels for Rath Yatra, the iconic festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. But behind the grandeur lies a set of deeply rooted rituals that capture the heart of what this festival stands for devotion, humility, and the unity of people from all walks of life. Here's a look at the key traditions that define Rath CHHERA PANHARA:One of the most powerful moments of Rath Yatra is Chhera Panhara. The Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, who holds a royal position, comes out barefoot to sweep the area around the Lord's chariot using a golden broom. Before the chariot begins its journey, he also sprinkles sandalwood water and flower simple yet moving ritual shows that no one is above the Lord, not even a king. It reinforces the idea that every devotee is equal in the eyes of God. Dating back to the Ganga dynasty, this age-old practice is still followed with deep respect.2. BAHUDA YATRA: After the deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra spend a few days at the Gundicha Temple, it's time for them to return. This part of the festival is known as Bahuda Yatra, which takes place on the 10th day (Ashadha Shukla Dasami).advertisementOn the way back, the chariots stop at the Mausimaa Temple, believed to be their aunt's the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional baked cake made with rice, jaggery, coconut, and lentils. Devotees eagerly await this part, as it marks the joyful conclusion of the grand procession.3. SUNA BESHAAfter returning to the main temple, the deities are dressed in lavish gold ornaments in a ritual called Suna Besha, which literally means 'Golden Attire.' This dazzling event draws massive crowds who come to catch a glimpse of the Lords glittering in ritual is a symbol of divine richness and generosity. It reminds devotees of the Lord's blessings and abundance.4. NILADRI BIJE:Niladri Bije marks the final step of the Rath Yatra. On this day, the deities re-enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath to belief, Goddess Lakshmi, who was left behind, questions Lord Jagannath about his long absence. After a brief divine drama, she welcomes him back a playful yet meaningful tradition that adds emotional depth to the conclusion of the festival.5. RASAGOLA DIVASA more recent but widely embraced part of Rath Yatra is Rasagola Divas. It's said that to please Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath offered her the famous rasagola, a syrupy white sweet that has since become synonymous with this with joy, Rasagola Divas adds a flavourful finish to the spiritual journey, blending food with faith.- Ends
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath: Why millions throng Puri to witness the annual event
Over 10,000 police personnel have been directed to Puri to oversee security and traffic management for the annual Rath Yatra, or car festival, of Lord Jagannath, which will commence on Friday (June 27). Over 30 lakh Indians and thousands of foreigners are expected to attend the event. According to Hindu mythology, the Lord and his siblings – Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – embark on a nine-day annual sojourn to their birthplace. The idols are taken to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay till the 'Bahuda Yatra' (returning car festival), which falls on July 5 this year. The Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) every year to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings from their abode, the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt's home. Goddess Ardhasini, also known as Mausima, is believed to be the aunt of the deities. The deities board three huge decorated chariots following the ceremonial procession called the Pahandi ritual, before marching for around 3 km to the Gundicha Temple. Millions of devotees pull the chariots on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri town. Puri occupies a significant space in Hindu mythology as it is worshipped as one of the char dham or four abodes where Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped with his siblings. It is believed that witnessing the deities on their elaborately decorated chariots will cleanse people of their sins and grant them salvation. According to the Bamadeva Samhita, a religious text associated with the Puri temple, any pilgrim who witnesses the four deities on their simhasana (sacred seat) of Gundicha Temple for a week would be granted a place in Baikuntha, the heavenly abode, along with their ancestors for eternity. As non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Jagannath temple, the festival presents an opportunity for foreign devotees to visit Puri. It is believed that the Lord, believed to be the Lord of the Universe, steps out of his sanctum sanctorum during Rath Yatra to meet all his devotees. The three chariots The three chariots – Taladhwaja Rath for Lord Balabhadra, the Darpadalan Rath for Goddess Subhadra, and the Nandighosa Rath for Lord Jagannath – are distinct from each other, and made afresh every year from the woods of locally available trees. They have their own colours, heights, diameters, wooden horses, guardian deities and even charioteers. Nearly 200 carpenters, labourers, woodcarvers, artists, and painters work for around 12 hours a day from Akshaya Tritiya onwards, nearly two months before the much-awaited event, to shape the chariots. The workers view their work as 'hereditary service'. While they don't have any formal training in woodcarving or using modern machinery or equipment, they rely on what they have learnt from experienced family elders. Traditional methods and techniques are used to build the chariots. CHHERA PANHARA: Before the chariots are pulled on Rath Yatra, the scion of the erstwhile Puri royal family, the self-styled first servitor of the Lords, performs a special ritual called 'Chhera Panhara'. As part of this, he sweeps the floor of the chariots with a golden broom, symbolising that all devotees are equal before the Lord, irrespective of their social status. It is said to stress the dignity of labour and emphasises humility. Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, who ascended the throne in 1970 at the age of only 17, has been performing the Chhera Panhara ritual since 1971. BAHUDA YATRA: The return festival or Bahuda Yatra is organised on Ashadha Shukla Dasami (10th day). On their way back to the 12th-century shrine, the deities are offered a special cake called 'Poda Pitha', made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery at the Mausimaa Temple (their aunt's temple). SUNA BESHA: A day after the Bahuda Yatra, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, including crowns, and hands and legs made of gold on the chariots in front of the Lion's Gate, which is called Suna Besha (golden attire). NILADRI BIJE: The home-coming of the deities, also called 'Niladri Bije', is celebrated on the 12th day of the Ashadha month, which also marks the end of the Rath Yatra festival. The sibling deities are taken to the sanctum sanctorum again in pahandi (ceremonial ritual). RASAGOLA DIVAS: Devotees offer Rasagola (a sweet dish made of cheese) to Goddess Laxmi on behalf of Lord Jagannath to appease her, as she gets angry for not being taken on the Raths to the Gundicha Temple. For the past few years, people in Odisha have also celebrated the day of Niladri Bije as the Rasagola Divas.
