Rath Yatra

Significance and History

Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot festival, falls either in June or in July each year. This festival attracts foreigners as well since it is globally acclaimed. Primarily, the festival of Ratha Yatra denotes equivalence and integration. It is a good opportunity for people to witness the divine being. Three divinities are worshipped on the festival day. They include Lord Balabhadra, who is the elder brother of Lord Jagannath; Subhadra, who is the sister of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra; and Lord Jagannath.

The divinities will be taken to the streets of the city of Puri so everybody can seek blessings. Each divinity has a chariot. While the chariot of Lord Balabhadra has 16 wheels, the chariot of Lord Jagannath has 18 wheels. Likewise, the chariot of Subhadra has 14 wheels. Jagannath Temple is believed to be the holiest temple in the country.

Why do People Celebrate Ratha Yatra? :

• Ratha Yatra is organised in Puri, which is a prime city in Odisha. Devotees entrust that Lord Krishna or Lord Jagannath desires to visit Mathura, which is his birthplace. They organise this festival in order to fulfil his desire yearly. Devotees also believe that they are freed from the phase of birth and death if they take devotedly take part in this festival. Muslims also celebrate the festival.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware, Devotees carry the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra to Gundicha Temple from Jagannath Temple. The idols are then positioned in chariots. Priests perform Snana Purnima, which is a custom wherein three idols are bathed with water (109 buckets). The bathed idols will be placed in isolation until the procession day. This event is called Ansara. The Odisha’s royal successor performs the ceremonial of Chera Pahara. The king carries the divinities and positions them on chariots during the event of Chera Pahara.

For Rath Yatra:

• The preparations for Rath Yatra begin weeks in advance with the construction of the grand chariots. These chariots, known as Nandighosa (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalana (for Goddess Subhadra), are intricately carved and painted by skilled artisans using traditional methods. The process of construction is a sacred ritual in itself.

  • Snana Purnima: The preparations start with the bathing ceremony of the deities known as Snana Purnima. After this ritual, the deities are believed to fall ill and remain in isolation for 15 days, known as Anasara.
  • Chhera Pahanra: On the day of Rath Yatra, the King of Puri performs the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and service to the Lord.
  • Pulling the Chariots: Devotees enthusiastically pull the massive chariots through the streets of Puri, singing bhajans and chanting the Lord’s name. The journey to the Gundicha Temple is filled with devotion and celebratio

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Rath Yatra to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.