Hello, Friends Lord Krishna’s Devotees celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra in July month every year all over the world. This year on 20 June 2023 the 144 Rath Yatra is celebrated. The meaning of rath yatra is chariot journey, Rath means chariot and yatra means journey.
This festival is celebrated in almost all parts of the country but the most famous Rath Yatra among all is Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri at Odisha. For the celebration of Rath Yatra Lakh of devotees of Lord Krishna Gathered at Puri in Odisha Today. This Festival is also popular in various cities of Gujarat. After Jagannath, Ahmedabad Rath Yatra is the biggest and most famous one.
What is the meaning of Jagannath?
Jagannath means Lord of a universe it is derived from two words Jagat and Nath. In Rath Yatra, three chariots of Lord Krishna with Lord Balram and Subhadra are pulled by devotees.
Story of Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is organized in Puri in Odisha. It is believed that Lord Jagannath would like to visit his birthplace every year. Various stories are associated with this festival, some of which are as follows: Lord Krishna and Balram’s maternal uncle Kansa invited her to Mathura to kill her. Kansa sent Akrur to Gokul in a chariot. Lord Krishna and Balram sat in the car and went to Mathura. Believers celebrate this day of departure as Rath Yatra.
Other Story In Dwaraka, devotees celebrated the day when Lord Krishna, accompanied by Balaram Subhadra, took his sister on a float to show the beauty of the city.
History and Significance
The Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Goddess Subhadra. The Rath Yatra is celebrated from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, 2.5km away.
There are three heavily-built wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are traditionally pulled by thousands of devotees over a distance of three kilometers twice during the nine-day festival of the Trinity at Puri. After resting for eight days, Lord Jagannath returns to his main abode which is known as ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
Lord Jagannath’s Rath, Nandighosha (also known as Garudadhwaja, Kapiladhwaja) it stands 44 feet tall and has 16 wheels. Balbhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja or Langaladhwaja and is about 43 feet in height and has 14 wheels. While Subhadra’s chariot has 12 wheels and is 42 feet tall.
Live Rath Yatra Puri
Live Rath Yatra Ahmedabad