The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra 2019 will begin from Puri in Odisha. The 10-day festival begins on July 4. For the Jagannath Rath Yatra, lakhs of people will converge at Jagannath Temple in Puri to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra riding three giant wooden chariots which are pulled by devotees as they travel to Gundicha temple. The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2019, oldest in the state, is about three-kilometer long.
What is the significance of Rath Yatra?
This festival is known as Rath Yatra, meaning the journey (yatra) of the chariots (ratha). The Rathas are huge wheeled wooden structures, which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees. On the occasion of this holy festival, Hindu belonging to different parts of the country to come together to remember the Lord Jagannath (Lord of Universe).
It is believed that the Lord was so pleased and impressed with the Queen’s devotion and promised that he would visit her once a year and stay there for a few days. The Queen’s palace has since then transformed into a beautiful temple. There are some reports stating that Gundicha was actually none other than Lord Jagannath’s aunt. It is said that she loves her nephews and niece dearly and welcomes them every year to pamper them with loads of love, care, and affection.
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2019 Date, History, Traditions
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is also known as Chariot, The three chariots of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Lord Jagannatha are newly constructed every year with wood of the specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc. They are customarily brought from the ex-princely state of Dasapalla by the specialist team of carpenters who have hereditary rights and privileges for the same. logs are traditionally set afloat as rafts in the river Mahanadi. These are collected near Puri and then transported by road.
The main chariot of Lord Jagannath is of 45 feet is decorated beautifully and is called Nandighosa. The three chariots look like temples and are decorated with idols, diyas, and garlands. The processions begin with drums, trumpets, and devotional songs. There are traditional dances and performances that make this procession a very vibrant affair. Getting a chance to pull the chariots is considered to be a good omen and is considered to bring a lot of luck and prosperity to people’s lives.
