The grand Rath Yatra festival in Puri saw a surge of enthusiastic devotees as the pulling of chariots of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra resumed on the second day after a brief pause. Despite the halt overnight, devotees flocked to witness the deities on their majestic chariots, displaying their deep devotion and emotions. This unique festival is a nine-day celebration where the deities of Puri Srimandir come out of the temple to give darshan to devotees on Bada Danda.
Jagannath Puri's Grand Rath Yatra
Background
Jagannath Puri is a coastal city in the Indian state of Odisha, known for its iconic Rath Yatra festival. The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
The tradition of Rath Yatra has existed for centuries, with its origins traced back to ancient Hindu texts. The festival symbolizes the deities' desire to visit their aunt's house in the Gundicha Temple, which represents the bond between family members.
The Rath Yatra is a grand spectacle that draws लाखों of devotees from across India and the world. Three massive chariots, each elaborately decorated and representing the respective deity, are pulled through the streets of Puri by enthusiastic devotees.
Current and Past Events
2022 Rath Yatra
This year, the Rath Yatra was held from July 1 to July 9. The festival's resumption on the second day after a brief pause was met with great enthusiasm. Devotees from all walks of life flocked to Puri to witness the majestic procession, despite the overnight halt.
Past Rath Yatras
In 2020 and 2021, the Rath Yatra was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival was held with strict protocols and limited public participation. However, in previous years, the Rath Yatra has attracted enormous crowds, with millions of devotees participating in the pulling of the chariots.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Rath Yatra?
The Rath Yatra represents the deities' annual visit to their aunt's house, symbolizing the bond between family members. It is also seen as a celebration of the unity and diversity of India.
2. How long does the Rath Yatra last?
The Rath Yatra is a nine-day festival. The chariots are pulled to the Gundicha Temple on the first day and return to the Jagannath Temple on the ninth day.
3. What are the chariots used in the Rath Yatra?
The three chariots used in the Rath Yatra are named Nandighosha (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (for Devi Subhadra). Each chariot is a massive structure, elaborately decorated with intricate carvings, paintings, and sculptures.
4. Who is responsible for pulling the chariots?
The chariots are traditionally pulled by devotees, who believe that it brings them good luck and blessings. However, in recent years, the use of mechanical assistance has also been employed to ensure the safety of the devotees.
5. What is the significance of the return journey of the chariots?
The return journey of the chariots on the ninth day of the Rath Yatra symbolizes the deities' return to their abode in the Jagannath Temple. It is believed that this journey removes all obstacles and brings peace and prosperity.
Excitement and frenzy have gripped fans as Coldplay announces an additional show in Ahmedabad on January 25, 2025, as part of their global tour. The iconic band, consisting of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, will perform their biggest show ever in Ahmedabad, following the overwhelming response for their previous Mumbai concerts. This news comes after fans faced long queues and technical issues while trying to secure tickets for Coldplay's concerts in India. BookMyShow has implemented a new virtual queue system to ensure fair access for all users and prevent black marketing of tickets. Don't miss your chance to witness history in the making - book your tickets now!
A war of words has erupted between prominent South Indian stars Nayanthara and Dhanush. In a strongly worded open letter, Nayanthara called out Dhanush for his alleged ego clash and denied permission to use content from their blockbuster film in her documentary. The letter has left the film industry and fans shocked, and with the possibility of further legal action looming, this unexpected feud has become the talk of the town.
Popular Pakistani TikToker Imsha Rehman deactivated her social media accounts after her alleged private videos were reportedly leaked online. Amid intense backlash, Imsha is facing criticism for deliberately leaking the private footage to boost her follower count. The incident has sparked debates about privacy and the lengths some influencers might go to for attention and fame. Imsha has since issued an apology to her fans and deactivated her accounts, but the controversy continues to stir discussion online.
Actress Nayanthara has penned an open letter to actor Dhanush accusing him of trying to block the release of her documentary 'Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale' on Netflix. The controversy revolves around the use of footage from the film 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan' in the documentary, which led Dhanush to issue a legal notice seeking compensation for unauthorized usage. Nayanthara also reveals alleged past resentment from Dhanush towards the success of the film.
Popular actor Nayanthara has strongly responded to Dhanush's legal notice regarding her upcoming Netflix documentary. In an open letter, Nayanthara accused Dhanush of harbouring vengeance against her and her partner for years. She also expressed her hurt over Dhanush's refusal to grant permission for the use of clips from their film, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, in the documentary, despite multiple requests.
BookMyShow has released a helpful guide for fans hoping to secure tickets for Coldplay's upcoming concert in Ahmedabad on January 25, 2024. With overwhelming demand and past concerts selling out quickly, the ticketing platform has become the official partner for the much-anticipated event. Fans looking to secure tickets are advised to follow tips and tricks, such as keeping payment details handy and being prepared for a quick booking process, in order to improve their chances of success.
Imsha Rehman, a Pakistani TikTok star, is facing backlash after her private video was leaked and went viral on social media. Similar to Minahil Malik, who faced a similar situation earlier this year, many are accusing Rehman of deliberately making her explicit video public for attention and followers. This incident has sparked debates on privacy and the dangers of social media fame, with some coming out in support of Rehman while others criticize her actions.
British rock band Coldplay announces a fourth concert date in Ahmedabad, India as part of their highly anticipated "Music of the Spheres" World Tour. The band will perform at the Narendra Modi Stadium on January 25, 2025, with tickets going on sale November 16, 2024. However, after the chaos of online ticket scams during their previous Mumbai shows, concertgoers are warned to only purchase tickets through official platforms and avoid falling prey to unauthorized ticket sales.
Embark on a new adventure, Sagittarius! Your horoscope for tomorrow (November 16) encourages you to expand your horizons and embrace life's adventures. While your natural leadership may come in handy, it's important to avoid conflicts at work and take care of your health. And remember, astrology is a guide and not a definitive source, so trust your instincts and consult with an expert before making any important decisions.
The Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has been nominated in two categories at the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards for his work in the Malayalam movie The Goat Life. His song "Periyone" and background score for "Aadujeevitham" have received nominations in the 'Song-Feature Film' and 'Score-Independent Film (Foreign Language)' categories respectively. The movie, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, has garnered rave reviews and its music is being appreciated globally.