Rathayatra : Significance of this Hindu festival & its celebrations


 

Rathayatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is a significant Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the city of Puri, in the Indian state of Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra. Here is a detailed overview of the significance and celebration of Rathayatra:


### Significance of Rathayatra


1. **Religious Importance**: 

   - **Lord Jagannath**: The main deity, Lord Jagannath, represents a form of Krishna, who is an incarnation of Vishnu. The festival signifies the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from their temple to their garden temple (Gundicha Temple), symbolizing a visit to their birthplace.

   - **Unity and Equality**: Rathayatra is known for its inclusive nature, where people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, come together to participate. The pulling of the chariots is considered highly auspicious, and it signifies the unity and equality of humanity.

   - **Spiritual Journey**: The festival symbolizes the journey of the soul towards enlightenment, with the deities representing the divine guiding the human soul on this spiritual path.


### Celebration of Rathayatra


1. **Preparations**: 

   - **Construction of Chariots**: Months before the festival, skilled craftsmen begin constructing the three massive chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. These chariots are elaborately decorated and are made anew every year.

   - **Deity Preparations**: The deities are given a ceremonial bath (Snana Purnima) and are kept in isolation for a period (Anavasara) before the Rathayatra to recuperate from the 'fever' they catch after the bath.


2. **The Journey**:

   - **Pahandi**: On the day of the festival, the deities are brought out of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession called Pahandi. Devotees and priests carry the idols and place them on their respective chariots amidst chants, music, and the blowing of conch shells.

   - **Chhera Pahanra**: The King of Puri performs a ritual called Chhera Pahanra, where he sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying that everyone is equal before the divine. This act is a mark of humility and devotion.

   - **Pulling the Chariots**: Devotees pull the giant chariots with thick ropes through the streets of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 kilometers away. The journey is filled with singing, dancing, and chanting of hymns. The atmosphere is charged with devotion and enthusiasm.


3. **At Gundicha Temple**: 

   - The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days, during which various rituals and ceremonies are performed. This period is known as the Gundicha Yatra.

   - Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.


4. **Return Journey (Bahuda Yatra)**:

   - After the stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities embark on their return journey to the Jagannath Temple, known as Bahuda Yatra. This return journey is also celebrated with equal fervor.

   - On their way back, the chariots stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt’s Temple), where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special kind of pancake believed to be a favorite of Lord Jagannath.


5. **Suna Besha**: 

   - On the day following their return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments and appear in a majestic form known as Suna Besha. This is one of the most visually stunning aspects of the festival.


### Celebrations Across the World


While Puri is the epicenter of Rathayatra, the festival is celebrated with similar enthusiasm in various parts of India and the world. Major cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and New York host Rathayatras, bringing together the local Hindu community and other participants to celebrate the divine journey of Lord Jagannath.


In summary, Rathayatra is a grand festival that not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of Odisha but also promotes the values of unity, equality, and devotion among its participants.

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