Latest news with #RathYatraofPuri
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
How Puri's Rath Yatra gave us the word ‘Juggernaut'
How Puri's Rath Yatra gave us the word 'Juggernaut' Few festivals in the world combine spectacle, devotion, and scale quite like the Rath Yatra of Puri, a centuries-old celebration held in Odisha, India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Krishna, this grand procession of towering chariots pulled by thousands of devotees has captivated observers for generations. But beyond its religious significance, the festival left a deep impression on colonial visitors during British rule. In fact, it gave rise to one of English's most powerful metaphors: the word "juggernaut", now commonly used to describe any unstoppable force. What many English speakers don't realise is that the origins of this word lie not in machinery or militarism but in a misinterpretation of a sacred tradition. As colonial officers and missionaries attempted to make sense of what they were witnessing, their writings transformed a devotional celebration into a misunderstood and often sensationalised narrative. This article explores how Rath Yatra inspired the word 'juggernaut', the myths that followed, and the eventual shift in understanding over time. The Rath Yatra: A spectacle of faith The Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and most important Hindu festivals in India, held annually in Puri, Odisha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swinford: We Need People to Try Latest High-Tech Hearing Aids - Free Learn More Undo It celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the nearby Gundicha Temple—their aunt's home. The three wooden deities are placed on massive, ornately decorated chariots and pulled through the city by throngs of worshippers. The chariots themselves are enormous—up to 45 feet high and weighing several tons—and are moved manually using long ropes. The scene is both physically and emotionally intense, as thousands chant, sing, and pull the chariots in unison. The scale and energy of the procession created an atmosphere that overwhelmed many early European witnesses. From devotion to 'Juggernaut': A word is born The English word 'juggernaut' is directly derived from 'Jagannath', the Sanskrit name for the deity. During the British colonial period in India, English-speaking missionaries and officials struggled to interpret the purpose and emotional intensity of the festival. For them, the sheer momentum and power of the chariots, combined with the enthusiastic crowds, symbolised something vast and uncontrollable. This impression eventually took root in the English language. The Oxford English Dictionary notes that the term 'juggernaut' began appearing in English by the late 18th century, but its metaphorical use gained traction in the 19th century, especially after accounts like those of Reverend Claudius Buchanan . From ritual to rumour: The story behind 'juggernaut' One of the most influential figures in shaping Western perceptions of Rath Yatra was Rev. Claudius Buchanan, a Scottish theologian and Anglican missionary. In his widely circulated 1811 work, Christian Researches in Asia, Buchanan described the Rath Yatra as a violent, frenzied event. He claimed that devotees would throw themselves under the wheels of Lord Jagannath's chariot in acts of religious suicide or sacrifice. However, modern historians and scholars have debunked these claims. While isolated incidents may have occurred over centuries, there is no evidence that mass self-sacrifice was ever a standard practice of the festival. Buchanan's account, shaped by missionary zeal and colonial bias, sensationalised the event to promote Christian evangelism and cast Hindu practices in a negative light. These early portrayals, filled with religious and cultural misunderstanding, contributed to the term 'juggernaut' taking on a destructive or overpowering connotation in English. 'Juggernaut' in modern usage: A metaphor detached Today, 'juggernaut' is widely used in English to refer to anything immense, powerful, and seemingly unstoppable—especially in business, politics, sports, or technology. Consider the following examples: 'The tech company became a juggernaut, outcompeting every rival in its path.' 'The political campaign rolled across the country like a juggernaut.' 'The film franchise is a box office juggernaut.' In these contexts, the word has lost its direct connection to the Rath Yatra or Lord Jagannath. Yet, its linguistic roots remain firmly embedded in that very cultural and religious celebration. How the west relearned the truth about Rath Yatra By the late 19th century, some Western writers and publications began to offer more balanced and respectful interpretations of the Rath Yatra. For example, an 1878 article in Harper's Magazine included detailed engravings of the Puri temple and described the festival in its spiritual and cultural context. These accounts moved away from fear-based depictions and sought to understand the event on its terms. In recent years, scholars and cultural commentators have revisited the origins of 'juggernaut' to clarify the misconceptions spread during the colonial era. The modern view acknowledges that while the term has evolved in English, it emerged from a profound misreading of a deeply meaningful religious tradition. The journey from Jagannath to 'juggernaut' is as symbolic as the Rath Yatra itself. It illustrates how language is shaped by perception, power, and history. What began as a religious celebration of community, faith, and tradition was transformed—through colonial misunderstanding—into a metaphor for unstoppable force, often tinged with destruction. Today, while the word 'juggernaut' has taken on a life of its own in the English language, its origins lie in the dusty roads of Puri, where devotees still gather to pull the mighty chariots of Lord Jagannath. Revisiting this linguistic history not only corrects past misconceptions but also highlights the cultural intersections where language and tradition meet—and sometimes clash. Also read | Why a muslim devotee is remembered in Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Rose laddus and chandan rice: A special menu dedicated to Rath Yatra of Puri
Jul 01, 2025 04:42 PM IST Inspired by the Ratha Yatra of Puri, the ISKCON temple in Dwarka has introduced a special food menu called Anand Bazar Utsav. The Rath Yatra took place on June 27, and several follow-up rituals will take place for another week. Special menu for the Rath Yatra of Puri Dedicated to the Yatra, the temple is serving multiple Oriya dishes for the devotees, including: Khaja: a crispy, sweet snack Malpua: a deep-fried pancake soaked in syrup Rabri: a creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and nuts Chhena poda: a sweet cheese dessert Rose laddus: a sweet, fragrant treat Khakra peetha: A type of sweet flatbread Manda peetha: A steamed rice cake Khair and khakur: Traditional Oriya dishes Raw banana vegetables: A flavorful and nutritious side dish Khichdi: A comforting rice and lentil dish Coconut chutney: A fresh and tangy condiment Green chutney: A spicy and herby accompaniment Pineapple chutney: A sweet and tangy chutney The Anand Bazar Utsav menu will be open to all visitors to try until July 8. Along with that, the temple's courtyard will be filled with the aroma of sandalwood rice and rose laddus, adding to the festive atmosphere. This initiative is a beautiful way to experience the rich culinary heritage of Odisha and celebrate the spirit of Ratha Yatra.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bank holidays: Will banks be closed on June 27 for Jagannath Rath Yatra? Check details
Banks in many states will remain closed for three consecutive days starting Friday, 27 June 2025 due to the festival of Rath Yatra followed by a weekend. In Odisha and Manipur, banks will be shut on Friday in observance of Rath Yatra. However, as the ocassion is not observed as a banking holiday in other states, banks in rest of the country will continue to function as usual. To avoid inconvenience due to the closure, customers in these states are advised to plan their banking activities in advance. This will be followed by the usual fourth Saturday closure on 28 June and the Sunday shutdown on 29 June, which will be followed across the country. The extended closure could lead to delays in cheque clearances, loan disbursements, and other in-branch banking services. Customers are urged to rely on digital banking platforms during this period and complete urgent transactions in advance. The Rath Yatra of Puri, known as one of the grandest Hindu chariot festivals in the country, takes place annually in the month of Ashadh (June–July). It marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, drawing massive gatherings and processions. Banks in Mizoram will also be closed on Monday, 30 June, in honour of Remna Ni or Peace Day. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
