Rath Yatra in Puri

Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is the region’s most majestic festival. Celebrated in June or July, it commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balbhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple for a seven-day vacation. The procession begins from the lion gate of the temple, with the deities travelling in elaborately decorated chariots—Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Lord Balbhadra, and Darpadalana for Goddess Subhadra. Following ancient traditions, artisans meticulously construct these chariots, with preparations starting on Akshaya Trithiya. Each chariot, adorned with specific colours and symbols, reflects the divine attributes of the respective deities. During Rath Yatra, devotees can catch a glimpse of the deities, which is otherwise prohibited on regular days. The return journey includes a meal at their maternal aunt’s home before appeasing Goddess Mahalakshmi upon returning to the Jagannath Temple.