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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Planning to attend Jagannath Rath Yatra this year? Here's how to plan a trip and all you need to know
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival in Puri, Odisha, involves the procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra on massive wooden chariots. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots to the Gundicha Temple, followed by a return journey. Celebrations extend to other cities like Ahmedabad, with rituals and preparations underway, marking a festival steeped in history and tradition. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Celebrations Across India A Festival with History The Three Grand Chariots Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Nandighosha for Jagannath (16 wheels) Taladhwaja for Balabhadra (14 wheels) Darpadalana for Subhadra (12 wheels) The Procession Tips for First-Time Visitors Arrive early – Come 2–3 days before the event to get good accommodation. Dress wisely – Wear light, modest clothes and stay hydrated in the summer heat (25–35 °C). Where to watch – You can either book viewing gallery tickets for a calmer view or join the lively crowd along the chariot path. Follow local customs – Respect religious practices and follow ritual timings. Use Technology to Help The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is the biggest chariot festival in the world. It takes place every year in June or July. During the festival, three idols—Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—are taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on huge wooden chariots. These chariots are pulled by thousands of people through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km a week, the return journey, called Bahuda Yatra, brings the deities back to the main excitement isn't just in Puri. Other cities also celebrate. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the state's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that lakhs of devotees take part in the Rath Yatra there too. The important Jal Yatra ritual (fetching holy water from the Sabarmati River) has already started. He also said all arrangements are being made for the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, which will be held on June in Odisha, important rituals like Pahandi and Snana Utsav (ritual bathing) have already taken Rath Yatra dates back to the 12th–16th centuries. Some believe it marks Lord Krishna's return to his birthplace, while others say it was started by King Indradyumna. The festival follows age-old traditions. First, the idols are bathed with 108 pots of water on Snana Purnima. Then, they rest in isolation (called Anavasara) as they are said to fall 'ill,' before coming out for the big deity has a large wooden chariot:The chariots are made fresh each year from special wood and are decorated with colorful cloth. Over 1,200 meters of cloth is used, and the chariots are made using more than 600–800 wooden parts.A special moment in the festival is the Chera Pahara ritual , where the Gajapati King sweeps the area around the chariots with a golden broom, showing that everyone is equal before the chariots move through the streets, people shout 'Jai Jagannath' and pull the ropes. It's believed that touching the ropes brings blessings and washes away sins. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days. On the return trip, they stop at the Mausi Maa Temple to enjoy their favorite sweet—Poda Pitha, a traditional pancake. The festival ends with Niladri Bijaya, when the idols return to the main Odisha government has launched the Shree Jagannatha Dham app. It gives live updates, info on darshan queues, navigation, Mahaprasad availability, and a grievance portal. It's very helpful during the Rath Yatra.[With TOI inputs]
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri: A quick guide on how to plan a trip this year and other details
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, famed as the world's largest chariot festival, is held annually during the months of June–July. The three deities—Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra—are ceremoniously brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on grand wooden chariots. Pulled by thousands of devotees, the chariots roll through the streets of Puri towards the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 km away. A week later, the return procession, called the Bahuda Yatra, marks their journey back. Preparations aren't limited to Puri; the spiritual fervor soars across India. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat's Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that the Rath Yatra is a 'huge centre of devotion,' attracting lakhs of participants. He confirmed that the crucial Jal Yatra ritual—fetching holy water from the Sabarmati—has commenced, and that comprehensive arrangements are underway to ensure its smooth and secure execution when it begins on June 27. Meanwhile in Odisha, Pahandi rituals and Snana Utsav were carried out. Here's a quick guide to the yatra if you are planning to visit this year Dating back to between the 12th and 16th centuries, the festival embodies rich cultural lore—some link it to Krishna's return to his birthplace, while others credit King Indradyumna with initiating the tradition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Each year the ritual follows ancient customs: the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are ritually bathed (108 water pots) during Snana Purnima, then secluded in Anavasara on grounds of divine 'illness' before the grand procession. Read more: Wild Rajasthan: 10 unexpected wildlife sightings to watch out for The 3 majestic chariots Three colossal wooden chariots—Nandighosha for Jagannath (16 wheels), Taladhwaja for Balabhadra (14 wheels), and Darpadalana for Subhadra (12 wheels)—are designed anew annually in traditional patterns and hauled by devotees. The chariots, built from specified neem-like woods and assembled with 600800+ pieces, are crowned with temple-like canopies made of over 1,200 m of cloth. A standout ritual, Chera Pahara, sees the Gajapati King sweeping the chariot grounds with a gold broom, symbolizing humility and equality before divinity. The grand procession Devotees throng the streets chanting 'Jai Jagannath' and tugging ropes to move the chariots. It's believed that simply touching the ropes cleanses sins and grants blessings. The deities journey to Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days before returning during Bahuda Yatra. Along the return, they stop at Mausi Maa Temple to receive their favorite Poda Pitha pancakes, ending with Niladri Bijaya, which heralds the festival's close. Read more: Puducherry to Hampi: Best slow travel destinations in South India Planning tips for first-timers Plan ahead – Arrive 2–3 days early to secure accommodation. Dress comfortably and stay safe – Wear modest, comfortable clothes; stay hydrated and keep belongings secure in the summer heat (25–35 °C) . Viewing options – Secure gallery viewing tickets near the temple for a calmer experience, or join the vibrant crowds on the chariot route for immersive energy. Respect local traditions – Be mindful of religious protocols and ritual timings. Enhanced experience with tech The Odisha government has introduced the Shree Jagannatha Dham app, a modern companion offering real-time updates on rituals, darshan queues, navigation, Mahaprasad availability, and grievance redressal—especially useful during Rath Yatra. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
