Hera Panchami is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated as part of the famous Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. The annual festival of Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna. Hera Panchami is celebrated on Ashada Shukla Panchami and falls on the fifth day of the Rath Yatra. The day involves a unique ritual symbolising the divine playfulness and relationship between Lord Jagannath and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. This year, Hera Panchami will be celebrated on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 Date: Know Puri Rath Yatra Timings, Significance and Rituals Associated With the Chariot Festival in Odisha.

On the day of Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannatha, visits Gundicha temple in search of Lord Jagannatha. The day re-enacts a mythological episode where Goddess Lakshmi persuades Lord Jagannath to return to the main temple after he leaves for his annual journey, highlighting the devotion and love of Goddess Lakshmi towards Lord Jagannath. In this article, let’s know more about Hera Panchami 2024 date, significance and the ritual associated with the day.

Hera Panchami 2024 Date

Hera Panchami  2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, July 11.

Hera Panchami Rituals

A grand procession takes place where the idol of Goddess Lakshmi is carried from the main temple to Gundicha Temple, where Lord Jagannath resides during the Rath Yatra. On arrival at Gundicha Temple, special rituals and prayers are performed by the priests. As per traditional beliefs, this ritual symbolise Goddess Lakshmi’s anguish at Lord Jagannath's extended stay away from the main temple.

Hera Panchami Significance

Hera Panchami is an important and very significant occasion that takes place days after the Rath Yatra. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, visits the Gundicha Temple to remind Lord Jagannath to return to their abode at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The festival showcases the divine relationship between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the procession and participate in the rituals, singing hymns and chanting prayers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2024 02:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).