RATH YATRA
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Context
- Millions of Devotees gather to celebrate, pray, watch and participate in the Jagannath Ratha Yatra procession.
- Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik started this yatra by symbolically pulling these giant chariots of lord Jagannath and his two siblings.
Other Details
- In this Yatra wooden chariots of Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra and Lady Subhadra would be approximately 45 feet tall.
- It starts from 12th century stone temple of Jagannath Puri in Odisha.
- People dance and celebrate by chanting ‘Haribol’, ‘Jai Jagannath’ along with beating brass cymbals and hand drums
Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra
- Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is held on second day of Shukla Pakshya (fortnight after full moon) in Hindu month of Ashada. Hence it generally falls in June or July.
- It is a nine-day-long festival.
- This holy annual car festival sees devotees coming from all parts of the world.
- However mostly there are from Odisha and neighbouring states.
- This Ratha yatra is considered to be one of the world’s biggest religious processions
Preparations to Yatra
- First chariots is swept using a golden handle broom by Puri's titular king. The ritual is known as Chhera Pahanra.
- Priests sprinkle flowers and fragrant water on Ratha.
- Before the start of procession many groups of devotes do kirtans and dance in front of these chariots.
- To symbolically pull the chariots wooden horses are fitted.
- Administration is on alert and security and traffic arrangements are made for a smooth conduct of procession.
Procession
- From temple chariot of big brother Lord Balabhadra comes out first which is known as Taladhwaj chariot.
- Then the chariot, Darpadalan, is of sister Goddess Subhadra is taken out.
- In the end comes the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Chariot is called Nandighosh.
- These chariots start from the Singha Dwar of Jagannath Temple and the taken to Gundicha Temple (their aunt’s residence).
- On fourth day Hera Panchami is celebrated.
- Finally they return to Main Jagannath temple on tenth day (Dashmi tithi).
- This returning journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.
- Puri Shankaracharya oversees the procession.
Must read Article:
Jagannath temple
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/jagannath-temple-41
PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements about Jagannath Ratha Yatra of Puri: 1. It is a week-long festival. 2. The chariot of Lord Jagannatha is known as Nandighosh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (B) |