Jagannath Yatra is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It is an annual procession that takes place in the city of Puri, located in the eastern state of Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord KRISHNA, along with his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra.
Here are some key details about the Jagannath Yatra:
1. Date: The Jagannath Yatra is held during the Hindu month of Ashadha, which typically falls in the months of June or July. The yatra lasts for a period of 9-10 days.
2. Rituals and Preparation: The festival begins with the construction of three large wooden chariots, known as rathas. These chariots are made by skilled artisans and are decorated with bright colors, intricate designs, and fabric.
3. Main Procession: On the day of the yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra are ceremoniously taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on their respective chariots. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this grand event.
4. Chariot Procession: The chariots are pulled by ropes by thousands of devotees who consider it a sacred act to participate in this procession. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosa, is the largest and attracts the maximum number of devotees.
5. Route: The chariots are pulled from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is located at a distance of approximately 3 kilometers. The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for a period of nine days, during which devotees visit the temple to seek blessings.
6. Rituals at Gundicha Temple: During their stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities are offered special rituals and prayers. Devotees from different parts of the country visit the temple to have a glimpse of the deities.
7. Return Journey: After the nine-day stay at the Gundicha Temple, the deities are brought back to the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession known as Bahuda Yatra. The return journey marks the end of the yatra.
8. Significance: The Jagannath Yatra is considered highly auspicious and is believed to cleanse the sins of the devotees. It is also an occasion for people to express their devotion and surrender to Lord Jagannath.