Latest news with #PuriRathYatra
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
People with Covid-19 symptoms should watch Rath Yatra at home: Official
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: Those with symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend the Puri Rath Yatra, director of health services Amarendra Nath Mohanty advised on Friday. They can watch the chariot pulling on TV from their homes, he added. Mohanty requested devotees, who plan to attend the Rath Yatra, to follow respiratory etiquettes like wearing masks and washing hands. The festival, scheduled to be held on June 27, will witness between 8 and 10 lakh devotees. "We should keep the numbers in mind while attending the festival," he added. "Besides, the devotees can follow common advisories like eating healthy food, drinking clean water and using mosquito nets for preventing any water- or vector-borne diseases," he said. Odisha reported seven new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, the total number of infections touched 38. Some cases were reported from Puri, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Balasore, apart from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. "Covid-19 situation in the state is not at all alarming and completely under control. Very few cases have been detected so far. There is no reason to get worried or panic over unnecessary things from unverified sources," he added. Mohanty said the Covid variant detected in the state is not virulent. "People should not get complacent due to a lower number of cases. They should take precautions like they were taking during the pandemic," he added. Official sources said the health department may bring in Covid-19 guidelines if needed. Keeping the situation in mind in the upcoming days, the govt will take a decision on the issue. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
When will Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 start? Know date, history, rituals and significance
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 start date: The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of India's grandest and sacred festivals. This important festival, also known as the Festival of Chariots, attracts millions of devotees worldwide. The Jagannath Rath Yatra marks the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, from their temple in Puri, Odisha, to the Gundicha Temple. Let's explore the date, history, rituals, and significance of this iconic event. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Date In 2025, the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will begin on June 27, 2025. The preparations, however, start much earlier and continue for months. The full festival spans several days, with different rituals and ceremonies performed on specific dates. One significance of this Yatra is that people from all religions and faiths can see the deities and participate in the procession, as they are not allowed to enter the temple on other days. For this, the Puri Rath Yatra sees 4-5 lakh pilgrims yearly; Indians and foreigners flock in large numbers to get a glimpse of the idols in the chariot. It is believed that those who manage to get a glimpse of the idols will have a prosperous year ahead. Special Chariots Are Made for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, special chariots are made for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Each deity travels on a separate chariot. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosha, is the largest of the three chariots, and it is coloured red and yellow. This chariot stands about 45.5 feet tall. Interestingly, no nails or metal parts are used in making it—it is built entirely from neem wood. The construction of the chariot begins on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. The chariot has 16 wheels and is slightly bigger than the chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra. The Story Behind Jagannath Rath Yatra The legend behind the Jagannath Rath Yatra is heartwarming. It is said that Goddess Subhadra once expressed her wish to visit her aunt's house in Gundicha. To fulfil her wish, Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra decided to accompany her on chariots. This divine journey is re-enacted every year as the Jagannath Rath Yatra. Some records say the tradition began during the 12th century when the Jagannath Temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. However, many believe the festival's roots are even older and deeply spiritual. The Significance of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra The Jagannath Rath Yatra is more than just a festival. It symbolises unity, devotion, and the connection between the divine and the devotees. When devotees pull the huge wooden chariots of the deities, it is believed to cleanse them of sins and bring blessings. Another unique ritual during the yatra is when the King of Puri himself sweeps the chariot platforms with a golden broom. This act, known as Chhera Pahanra, shows that in the eyes of God, everyone is equal. Rituals and Schedule of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 will include a series of important rituals spread over many days: Akshaya Tritiya – 30 April 2025 This marks the official beginning of the yatra preparations. On this auspicious day, the first pieces of wood for building the three chariots are brought in. Snana Purnima – 11 June 2025 On this day, the deities are bathed with 108 pots of holy water in a grand ceremony. After the bath, they are dressed as elephants, which is called Gaja Besha. Anavasara – 13 to 26 June 2025 After their bath, the deities fall ill and rest in isolation. During these 15 days, they are treated with herbal remedies and are not available for public viewing. Gundicha Marjana – 26 June 2025 The Gundicha Temple is cleaned and prepared for the deities. This cleansing represents the purification of the heart before welcoming the divine. Rath Yatra – 27 June 2025 The main event! The deities are carried in a big procession on their chariots – Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath (16 wheels), Taladhwaja for Balabhadra (14 wheels), and Darpadalan for Subhadra (12 wheels). The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees to the Gundicha Temple. Hera Panchami – 1 July 2025 This playful ritual marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi at Gundicha Temple looking for Lord Jagannath. It symbolises love and divine drama. Sandhya Darshan – 3 July 2025 The evening view of the deities at Gundicha Temple is considered very sacred. It is believed that seeing the deities here is equal to seeing them for 10 years at the main temple. Bahuda Yatra – 5 July 2025 The return journey of the deities from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple. On the way, they stop at Mausi Maa Temple to enjoy a special sweet called Poda Pitha. Suna Besha – 6 July 2025 The deities are dressed in gold jewellery and ornaments. This is one of the most visually stunning parts of the festival. Adhara Pana – 7 July 2025 A sweet drink made from milk, cheese, and spices is offered to the deities on their chariots. After the offering, the pots are broken to show that divine offerings are meant for all. Niladri Bijay – 8 July 2025 This marks the end of the festival when the deities return to their sanctum at the Jagannath Temple. This final day is full of joy and celebration. Why You Should Witness Jagannath Rath Yatra At Least Once The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a religious event, but a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and spirituality. Whether you are a devotee or a curious traveller, this festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The massive crowds, the beautiful chariots, the emotional devotion – everything about this event is unforgettable. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a journey of faith, tradition, and unity. With its deep-rooted history, powerful rituals, and spiritual significance, it continues to inspire millions every year. If you are planning a spiritual getaway, make sure to be in Puri for the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 and witness this divine journey up close. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CS reviews govt's performance, spells out target
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With less than a month left for Mohan Charan Majhi govt's first anniversary on June 12, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive review of the administration's performance and implementation of key a high-level meeting with department secretaries, Ahuja laid out ambitious targets aligned with the govt's vision for a developed Odisha by 2036 and India by 2047. Sources said the govt plans to unveil detailed vision documents for both milestones before completing its first year in office on June to a govt officer, Ahuja directed officials to align their work plans with the govt's priorities and vision, while maintaining a sense of urgency with clear deliverables within specified timeframes. The officers were also instructed to establish and achieve milestones for key govt projects in accordance with the current financial year's budgetary directed officials to address immediate concerns, particularly the ongoing water scarcity issues in various districts affected by the heatwave. He called for regular monitoring of water kiosks, especially in Bhubaneswar, and urged immediate action on water-related complaints reported in the media. He also reviewed the functionality of the public hearing portal's new system for processing retirement benefits and pensions for govt the importance of data in development activities, Ahuja instructed departments to appoint and train data officers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The top bureaucrat asked the secretaries to take steps to fill vacant positions in various departments. Govt sources said the Majhi govt made a plan to fill up 65,000 vacant posts in two years to fulfil its poll promise of recruiting 1.5 lakh people in five chief secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu briefed the officers about the status of civil defence volunteers, with special focus on deploying more volunteers in 12 industrial and densely populated districts, following the chief minister's recent appeal for increased participation. The CM on Sunday appealed to people to join civil defence organisations voluntarily and contribute to the nation's safety and commissioner and additional chief secretary Anu Garg presented a report on district visits by secretaries and senior officers. The meeting decided to hand over completed sports and health infrastructure projects to respective departments for maintenance. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Puri Rath Yatra .
