In Hindu mythology, an important event involves the Lord alongside his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra embarking on a nine-day pilgrimage to their birthplace. This annual journey sees their idols transported to the Gundicha Temple, where they remain until the 'Bahuda Yatra,' or till the return of the chariot festival.
The Significance of Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra, a festival of great significance occurs on the second day of the Odia month Ashadha Shukla Tithi (the bright fortnight). This event commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from their home, the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple believed to be their aunt's residence. Their aunt is also known as Goddess Ardhasini or Mausima.
The Grand Procession
During the Rath Yatra, the deities are placed on three large ornately decorated chariots following the Pahandi ritual, a ceremonial procession. These chariots are then pulled by millions of devotees along the Bada Danda or Grand Road in the town of Puri. The journey spans approximately 3 kilometres to reach the Gundicha Temple.
As the annual Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra approaches, Odisha is busy with activity. With just a day left before the event begins meticulous preparations are being made to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the vast number of devotees expected to attend.
Anticipation for the Grand Event
The Rath Yatra starting from today onwards is one of India's most revered and historic religious celebrations. This grand procession is anticipated to draw lakhs of worshippers, all eager to participate and witness the show.
Government Measures for Safety and Comfort
Odisha's Transport Minister, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, has announced a series of measures to ensure the safety and convenience of the attendees. Highlighting the government's commitment, he mentioned the establishment of 24-hour control rooms and the provision of medical kits in every bus designated for the Yatra.
"Our department has rolled out numerous initiatives for the Rath Yatra. We will have a control room operating around the clock and six cranes will be strategically placed to handle any vehicle breakdowns. We've also coordinated with various companies to provide breakdown services, ensuring that any disruptions are swiftly managed. Furthermore, every bus will be equipped with a medical kit to address any health emergencies," Jena stated in an interview.
Ensuring a Smooth Experience
These preparations reflect the government's dedication to making the Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. With these measures in place, devotees can look forward to a safe and memorable pilgrimage. The state of Odisha is leaving no stone unturned to facilitate the successful conduct of the Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra, ensuring that this historic event continues to be a cherished tradition for millions.
Rath Yatra: A Festival Steeped in Tradition
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival is an ancient celebration that dates back to the origins of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This festival is renowned for its grandeur and is observed with enthusiasm not only in India but also in countries like New Zealand, London, and South Africa.
The Journey of the Holy Trinity
Central to the Rath Yatra is the ceremonial journey of the Holy Trinity—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra. They travel to the temple of their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi. After eight days, they make their return journey to the Jagannath Temple marking the end of the festival.
Extended Celebrations
Though the main festivities revolve around the journey to and from the Gundicha Temple, the Rath Yatra begins much earlier. It starts on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya in April and concludes when the Holy Trinity returns to the Shree Mandir premises.
A Special Occasion This Year
This year’s Rath Yatra is particularly noteworthy. Puri District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain has announced that President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Puri on the day of the chariot pulling. Swain highlighted the unique nature of this year's event, where three significant rituals are scheduled to occur on the same day.
Preparations and Coordination
To ensure a smooth celebration, extensive preparations have been made. Swain mentioned that all concerned departments are ready for the event. Multiple interdepartmental and coordination meetings have been conducted to ensure everything goes as planned.
The Rath Yatra is not just a festival but a deep-rooted cultural and religious tradition that brings together devotees from around the world. This year’s event promises to be particularly memorable with the convergence of significant rituals and the presence of the President, adding to its prestige and historical importance.
New Super Specialty Hospital for Rath Yatra
A new 225-bed super specialty hospital has been established at both ends of the Grand Road to cater to the needs during the Rath Yatra. This facility aims to provide medical care for any health issues that may arise during the event.
Extensive Police Deployment and Public Amenities
Authorities have organized extensive police deployment to ensure the safety and security of the participants. Around 28 designated parking areas have been identified for the convenience of visitors. Additionally, transit points are being equipped with public amenities to offer temporary resting places for people coming from different districts and states.
Special Trains for Devotees
The Railways Ministry has announced that 315 special trains will be operated to accommodate the devotees travelling for the Rath Yatra. These trains are intended to assist devotees from various states including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand by ensuring they can reach Odisha comfortably.
Union Railways Minister’s Announcement
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the special measures taken by the railways for this significant event. He emphasized that these arrangements are specifically designed to facilitate the movement of devotees from different parts of the country to attend the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath.
Preparations for ISKCON Kolkata Rath Yatra
Meanwhile, preparations for the 53rd edition of the Rath Yatra festival at ISKCON Kolkata are progressing swiftly. The organizers are working diligently to ensure the event runs smoothly and is a memorable experience for all participants.
Iconic Chariot Festival to Commence
The much-anticipated Yatra starting tomorrow will mark the 53rd edition of the renowned chariot festival. This year's celebration is particularly special as it commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada Maharaj.
Insights from ISKCON Vice President
In a recent interview, ISKCON Vice President Radharam Das shared details about the chariot to be used in the Yatra. He highlighted the significance of the Kolkata Rath Yatra, noting that it is second in scale only to the Puri Rath Yatra. "Over 2 million people from around the globe attend this 9-day festival," he said. "The three chariots are unique in their design. The chariot of Baldev ji is the tallest and its wheel made of solid iron has been in use for 46 years. This year, we had to replace the wheel because it was damaged."
Details of the Festival's Chariots
The festival features two main chariots, showcasing the deities Jagannath and Baladev. The chariots are 46 years old, with Baladev's chariot reaching a height of 38 feet. The broken wheel of Baladev's chariot, which had served faithfully for decades weighs 250 kg and has a diameter of 6 feet.
Inauguration by West Bengal Chief Minister
The inauguration of the Rath Yatra will be graced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The event will take place at the ISKCON temple on 3C Albert Road, near Minto Park, adding a significant ceremonial touch to the festival's commencement.
. . .
References: