Rath Yatra the World Famous Car Festival of Puri

Rath Yatra the world famous car festival of lord Jagannath (Krishna) of puri is celebrated in the month June or July (Monsoon) every year. Rath yatra is fusion of two words Rath means chariot and Yatra means Journey or procession. Therefore it is also called Car festival or procession of Lord's chariot.

Rath Yatra or Car festival is celebrated all over the world by members of Krishna cult ISKCON Hare Krishna in more than 100 cities including London, Montreal, Paris, Venice, New York, Toranto Etc.

Puri is about 60 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, capital city of Orissa, which lies in the eastern part of India. Tourists can reach by air up to Bhubaneswar, from Bhuabneswar one can proceed to Puri by train, bus or by a cab.

The Rath Yatra is one of the world's most mind-boggling spectacles in terms of grandeur and enthusiastic devotion. Thousands of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion as they trust that a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation

Rath Yatra is the only time when lord Jagannath (Krishna) comes in direct contact with common men and also he proceeds to Gundecha Mandir, for nine days. At the end of the nine days, the three siblings are brought back to the Jagannath temple in a procession called the Ultarath or Bahuda.

Images of Lord Jaganath his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three immense chariots.The deities are brought out of the temple to the chariots by rhythmic movement called 'Pahandi' in a royal procession to the accompaniment of the beat of the 'cymbals' and drums and chanting of prayers by devotees.

Then all the three Images are abode in chariot respectively the lord of Universe Jagannath(Krishna) on his chariot called "Nandighose" which is 23 cubits height and has 18 wheels, Balabhadra elder brother of lord abodes "Taladwaja" which is 22 cubits in height and has 16 wheels and last the beloved sister Subhadra abodes "Devadalana" which is 21 cubits in height and has 14 wheels. Every year all the three chariots are made accordance with the strict and ancient prescription and supervision. Once idols abode the chariots , the maharaja (King) of Puri sweeps the Chariots with a golden broom, which symbolizes dignity of labors.

Thousands of devotes by chanting the lords name " Jay Jagannath" pull all the three chariots from the main temple to Gundecha Mandir on the Grand Road. This scene is worth seeing, a rare spectacular lord among sea of population, this year expected to be more than 10 lakhs. This is the only day when devotees who are not allowed in the temple premises such as non-Hindus and foreigners, can get their glimpse of the deities. The huge processions accompanying the chariots play devotional songs with drums, tambourines, etc. The members of Krishna cult ISKCON jump with joy6, dance and sing songs in praise of lord.

This whole extraordinary event is telecasted live on many Indian channels and International channels too.

After a week, on 'Ashadha Sukla Dasami', the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July), return journey or 'Bahuda Yatra' of the deities commences in the same traditional manner from Gundicha temple to the main temple like Rath Yatra.

Puri has all the facilities from simple free ashrams, resting rooms to luxurious five star hotels, suiting every tourist's budget. Therefore Rath Yatra the extravagant event should not be missed and I suggest next summer holidays keep the option of visiting Puri and be a part of the grandeur episode and enjoy the hospitality of Oriya people. Enjoy the Oriya culture, dances and the delicious sea foods and the exotic sea beach.

Sources:

http://www.swaminarayan.org/festivals/rathyatra/

"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rath_Yatra"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rath_Yatra