Introduction
Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it. The festival is celebrated by drawing huge chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees, through the streets of Puri.
History of Ratha Yatra
The origin of Ratha Yatra dates back to the ancient times when it was celebrated as a part of the Vedic culture. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Jagannath was incarnated to save the world from the clutches of evil. The celebration of Ratha Yatra is said to have begun when Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, set out on a journey to visit their aunt, Queen Gundicha. This journey is re-enacted every year in the form of a grand procession.
When to Celebrate Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra is celebrated annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha. This day usually falls in the month of June or July. The festival is celebrated for seven days and is also known as the Gundicha Yatra. In 2024 , the festival will be celebrated on 7th July.
Significance of Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra is celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu. The festival is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it. It is also believed that the festival helps to bring people closer to God and allows them to experience his divine presence.
How to Celebrate Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival begins with the building of three giant chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri. The chariots are decorated with colourful flowers and flags, and the procession is accompanied by devotional music and chants. On the seventh day of the festival, the chariots are broken and the wood is used to prepare the food in temple kitchen.
On the day of the festival, devotees offer prayers to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings. They also perform various rituals such as offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities.
Summary
Ratha Yatra is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The festival is celebrated by drawing huge chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees, through the streets of Puri. It is celebrated annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it. On the day of the festival, devotees offer prayers to Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings. They also perform various rituals such as offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities.
You can explore other festivals such as Ratha Yatra and Karwa Chauth.