Jagannath Rath yatra is believed to be the world’s largest chariot procession. On this occasion of Jagannath Rath yatra, all three deities; Lord Jagannath along with his younger brother Balabhadra and Subhadra are brought out of their temples to bless devotees.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is carried out in Puri which is a place in the eastern states of Orissa. Every year thousands of devotees from across the world gather to have a glimpse of this colourful procession.

Significance of Jagannath Rath Yatra

Jagannath Rath Yatra is carried out on the second day of the Krishna paksha in the month Ashada. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken to the temple of Gundicha Mata in three different chariots. Hence, the rath yatra is also known as Gundicha Jatra. It is mentioned in the legends that Lord Jagannath was pleased by the devotion of Queen Gundicha, wife of king Indrayumna. Lord presented a boon of visiting the queen's palace once in a year and would stay there for a few days. This queen’s palace beautifully carved as per Kalinga architecture was later converted into a temple.

For those devotees looking for salvation and relief from the struggles of life, Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra holds immense significance. This festival is so pious that just by touching the chariot or the ropes used for pulling the rath, it is said one can get relieved from the sins of the present and past life.

Another best part of this grand procession is people irrespective of their religion take part in Rath Yatra. Even, foreign nationals consider it a privilege to witness the divine chariot festival of India and the emotions of devotees behind this festival.

Another interesting fact about Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is the chariots used in the procession are built using 4000 wooden pieces for a period of 42 days by the only family who has the hereditary rights of making the same. Once the grand event gets over, the wood used for making chariot is used in the temple kitchen where every day 56 types of dishes (Chappan Bhog) are prepared and offered to the deities, which is later distributed among the devotees.

Excited to know when is rath yatra in the year 2020; well, this marvellous procession will be celebrated on the 23rd of June.