Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in the state of Odisha. The festival is primarily associated with Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, and takes place at the famous Jagannatha temple in Odisha’s Puri. The Rath Yatra involves a public procession with a chariot with deities Jagannath (Vishnu avatar), Balabhadra (his brother), Subhadra (his sister) and Sudarshana Chakra (his weapon) on a ratha, a wooden deula-shaped chariot. Ratha Yatra day is decided based on Hindu Lunar calendar and it is fixed on Dwitiya Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Ashada month, which falls in month of June or July in Gregorian calendar. This year, Ratha Yatra 2024 will be celebrated on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Nabajouban Darshan 2024 Date in Odisha: Significance and Rituals of Netra Utsav of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra Ahead of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra.

Rath Yatra 2024 Date and Timings

  • Ratha Yatra 2024 falls on Sunday, July 7.

  • The Dwitiya Tithi will begin at 04:26 AM on July 7 and end at 04:59 AM on July 08, 2024.

About the famous Rath Yatra of Puri

Rath Yatra is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘Ratha’, which means chariot or carriage, and ‘Yatra,’ which means journey or pilgrimage. Every year, the Ratha Yatra commemorates Lord Jagannatha's annual visit to Gundicha Mata temple. One day before of Ratha Yatra, Gundicha Temple is cleaned by devotees of Lord Jagannatha. The ritual of cleaning the Gundicha temple is known as Gundicha Marjana and is held one day before the Ratha Yatra.

As per religious beliefs, it is said that Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra leave their regular abode in the main temple to honour the devotion of Queen Gundicha, wife of the legendary King Indradyumna, who built the Puri Jagannatha temple. The deities spend a few days in this temple built by Gundicha to express gratitude. After resting for eight days in Gundicha temple, Lord Jagannatha returns to his main abode. This day is known as Bahuda Yatra or Return Yatra and is observed on the eighth day after Ratha Yatra on Dashami Tithi. It must be noted that rituals of Ratha Yatra start much ahead of Ratha Yatra day.

Approximately 18 days before of Ratha Yatra Lord Jagannatha, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra are given famous ceremonial bath known as Snana Yatra. Snana Yatra day is observed on Purnima Tithi in Jyeshtha month, which is popularly known as Jyestha Purnima.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Significance

The Ratha Yatra festival has become a common sight in most major cities of the world since 1968 through the Hare Krishna movement. Ratha-Jatra at Puri is the largest and most visited Ratha Yatra in the world, attracting a large crowd every year. A classic example of Kalinga architecture is the Jagannath Temple, which was constructed in the twelfth century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The goddesses Subhadra, Balabhadra, and Lord Jagannath reside in this shrine. Happy Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 Wishes, Images, Greetings, Wishes, Quotes, Stickers and Messages.

The festival of Ratha Yatra, draws pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is closely linked to the history of the Jagannath temple. We wish everyone a happy and peaceful Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2024 06:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).