After a gap of 53 years, the annual Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath is being celebrated in Puri, Odisha for two days. The festival began with great enthusiasm in Gujarat's Jamalpur, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the 'mangla aarti' and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the 'pahind vidhi'. Tight security measures have been put in place, with the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and lakhs of devotees expected at the festival venue. Additionally, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that a similar Rath Yatra will be held in Digha from next year. Stay tuned for real-time updates on the grand event.
The Grand Rath Yatra Festival: A Celebration of Lord Jagannath
The Rath Yatra, an annual festival celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, is one of the most significant religious events in India. This year, the festival holds special significance as it marks the first time in 53 years that it is being celebrated in Puri, Odisha for two days.
Background and Significance
The Rath Yatra, which literally translates to "chariot festival," originated in the ancient city of Puri. The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 3 kilometers away.
According to Hindu mythology, the siblings travel to the Gundicha Temple to visit their aunt, Goddess Gundicha. Their journey represents the human soul's journey towards salvation and the importance of family bonds.
2023 Rath Yatra Festivities
This year's Rath Yatra commenced with great enthusiasm in Jamalpur, Gujarat, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the 'mangla aarti' and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the 'pahind vidhi.' Tight security measures have been put in place, with the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and lakhs of devotees expected at the festival venue.
In addition to Puri, the Rath Yatra is also being celebrated in other parts of India, including West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that a similar festival will be held in Digha from next year.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is the Rath Yatra celebrated?
The Rath Yatra is typically held in the month of June or July, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The exact dates vary each year.
2. What is the significance of the chariots?
The three chariots used in the Rath Yatra represent the different aspects of Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called "Nandighosa," Lord Balabhadra's chariot is known as "Taladhwaja," and Goddess Subhadra Devi's chariot is named "Darpadalana."
3. Why was the Rath Yatra canceled in Puri for 53 years?
The Rath Yatra was canceled in Puri due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time it was held in Puri for two days was in 1970.
4. What is the route of the Rath Yatra in Puri?
The procession starts at the Jagannath Temple and travels through the main streets of Puri, known as Bada Danda. The chariots stop at various points along the way for rituals and prayers.
5. What is the significance of the "pahind vidhi"?
The "pahind vidhi" is the ritual performed to set the chariots in motion. It involves pulling the chariots with ropes, symbolizing the collective strength and devotion of the devotees.
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