One of the largest religious processions in the world, the annual car festival in Puri, India attracted over one million devotees from both within and outside the country. Led by President Droupadi Murmu and other political leaders, thousands of people pulled giant chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the 12th century Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple. The atmosphere was filled with religious songs and dance performances, as well as guidance from Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati.
Jagannath Puri: The Annual Car Festival
The annual car festival in Puri, India, is one of the largest religious processions in the world. It attracts over one million devotees from both within and outside the country. The festival is held in honor of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, three deities who are worshiped at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The festival begins with the construction of three huge chariots. The largest chariot, which carries Lord Jagannath, is 45 feet tall and weighs over 100 tons. The other two chariots, which carry Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, are slightly smaller.
On the day of the festival, the chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of about two miles. The procession is accompanied by religious songs and dance performances.
The festival lasts for nine days. During this time, the deities are housed in the Gundicha Temple. On the ninth day, the deities are returned to the Jagannath Temple in a procession that is even larger than the one on the first day.
Background
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be a form of Vishnu.
The car festival is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The festival is said to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from Mathura to Puri.
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