Awaken to the Grand Rath Yatra Festival in Puri, India
Published by Paromita Goswami, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
Rath Yatra Chariot Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Hindu culture, and nowhere is the celebration bigger then in the holy city of Puri in Orissa. Millions of devotees from all over the world come to the Jagannath Puri temple every year to participate in this grand festival.
Abiding to ritual, the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath of Puri, along with the idols of his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, are taken out in grand procession in big wooden chariots from the Jagannath temple of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, where they remain for nine days. The Rath Yatra Festival is celebrated every year in the second day of the lunar month (June/ July), and the holy city of Puri attracts hoards of devotees and visitors from all over the world during the celebration.
The Hindus believe Lord Jagannath is the re-carnation of Lord Vishu and Sri Krishna, and so there are many legends associated with the Rath Yatra Festival. Within Puri, it is believed that Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace, Gundicha Ghar, every year, and thus the Rath Yatra started. While in Dwaraka, it is believed Subhadra wanted to visit her parental home in Dwaraka, and her brothers escorted her there. In Mathura, legend says this is the day when Sri Krishna and Balram (Balabhadra) went to Mathura on Kansa’s invitation to participate in competition.
Apart from the many legends, the Puri Rath Yatra Festival is marked as the humanization of God wherein an attempt is made to bring down the God from his holy pedestal to a more human level. This is the only time when devotees, who are not allowed in the temple premises like the non-Hindus and other castes, are allowed to get a glimpse of the deities and offer their prayers. Devotees believe that a mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath in the chariot is very auspicious, while actually pulling the chariot will give them salvation.
In this ten-day festival, the entire city of Puri wears a festive look. The main attraction is the chariots in which deities are taken out in grand procession. They are newly constructed every year, and the preparation starts two months ahead of the Rath Yatra Festival. Each of these 45-foot-high chariots reflects the personality of the deities. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, 16 wheels and covered with red and yellow cloth, is called Nandighosa. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, 12 wheels and covered with red and blue cloth with palm tree on its flag, is called Taladhwaja. Subhadra’s chariot, 12 wheels, red and black covering signifying "The Shakti," is called Dwarpadalana. These beautifully decorated chariots are drawn by devotees with ropes throughout the festival, and the procession is so grand that visitors come from all over the world to witness it.
Puri is the pilgrimage destination of the Hindus in the east coast of India, and it’s one of the four holiest places within India for Hindus. The beautiful city is also well known for its beaches and resorts, and most of the visitors here are either pilgrims or tourists. Although the city is always flocked by visitors throughout the year, during the Rath Yatra Festival, Puri gets maximum visitors.
Being a beach city, the climate is very enjoyable throughout the year, and summers are warm, with cool winters. Apart from the beaches, Puri has several sightseeing places: Chilka Lake, well known for its biggest inland salt-water lagoon, Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary, Markandesvara Tank, Narendra Tank, and many ancient temples. Being an old city, Puri has a very rich heritage and culture, and there are numerous heritage shrines in and around the city which speak of the golden era of that period.
Abiding to ritual, the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath of Puri, along with the idols of his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, are taken out in grand procession in big wooden chariots from the Jagannath temple of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, where they remain for nine days. The Rath Yatra Festival is celebrated every year in the second day of the lunar month (June/ July), and the holy city of Puri attracts hoards of devotees and visitors from all over the world during the celebration.
The Hindus believe Lord Jagannath is the re-carnation of Lord Vishu and Sri Krishna, and so there are many legends associated with the Rath Yatra Festival. Within Puri, it is believed that Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace, Gundicha Ghar, every year, and thus the Rath Yatra started. While in Dwaraka, it is believed Subhadra wanted to visit her parental home in Dwaraka, and her brothers escorted her there. In Mathura, legend says this is the day when Sri Krishna and Balram (Balabhadra) went to Mathura on Kansa’s invitation to participate in competition.
Apart from the many legends, the Puri Rath Yatra Festival is marked as the humanization of God wherein an attempt is made to bring down the God from his holy pedestal to a more human level. This is the only time when devotees, who are not allowed in the temple premises like the non-Hindus and other castes, are allowed to get a glimpse of the deities and offer their prayers. Devotees believe that a mere glimpse of Lord Jagannath in the chariot is very auspicious, while actually pulling the chariot will give them salvation.
In this ten-day festival, the entire city of Puri wears a festive look. The main attraction is the chariots in which deities are taken out in grand procession. They are newly constructed every year, and the preparation starts two months ahead of the Rath Yatra Festival. Each of these 45-foot-high chariots reflects the personality of the deities. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, 16 wheels and covered with red and yellow cloth, is called Nandighosa. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, 12 wheels and covered with red and blue cloth with palm tree on its flag, is called Taladhwaja. Subhadra’s chariot, 12 wheels, red and black covering signifying "The Shakti," is called Dwarpadalana. These beautifully decorated chariots are drawn by devotees with ropes throughout the festival, and the procession is so grand that visitors come from all over the world to witness it.
Puri is the pilgrimage destination of the Hindus in the east coast of India, and it’s one of the four holiest places within India for Hindus. The beautiful city is also well known for its beaches and resorts, and most of the visitors here are either pilgrims or tourists. Although the city is always flocked by visitors throughout the year, during the Rath Yatra Festival, Puri gets maximum visitors.
Being a beach city, the climate is very enjoyable throughout the year, and summers are warm, with cool winters. Apart from the beaches, Puri has several sightseeing places: Chilka Lake, well known for its biggest inland salt-water lagoon, Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary, Markandesvara Tank, Narendra Tank, and many ancient temples. Being an old city, Puri has a very rich heritage and culture, and there are numerous heritage shrines in and around the city which speak of the golden era of that period.
When to Go to Rath Yatra
The best time to visit Puri is from June to March, with the peak season from July to November. The 2010 Rath Yatra will be celebrated on July 13th in Puri. Other than Rath Yatra, you can also participate in the Dushera, Holi, Jhulan Yatra, Radha Ashtami, and many more Hindu Festivals which are equally exciting.
Situated in the eastern coast of India, Puri is renowned for its beaches. However, unlike Goan beaches the ambiance here is very traditional. Tourists visiting the beaches are mostly seen in Indian clothes rather than in bathing costumes. It is otherwise a very peaceful city and very friendly to the tourists. There is nothing much of nightlife here, although spending late night hours on the beach is quite safe, and most of the hotels and resorts are near the beach at a walking distance.
To reach Puri, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa which serves domestic air carriers of almost all airlines. The nearest international airport is Kolkata or Delhi, and the city is well connected by train with all the major cities in India. Purshottam Express and Puri Express are direct trains to Puri that run almost all weekdays.
Situated in the eastern coast of India, Puri is renowned for its beaches. However, unlike Goan beaches the ambiance here is very traditional. Tourists visiting the beaches are mostly seen in Indian clothes rather than in bathing costumes. It is otherwise a very peaceful city and very friendly to the tourists. There is nothing much of nightlife here, although spending late night hours on the beach is quite safe, and most of the hotels and resorts are near the beach at a walking distance.
To reach Puri, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa which serves domestic air carriers of almost all airlines. The nearest international airport is Kolkata or Delhi, and the city is well connected by train with all the major cities in India. Purshottam Express and Puri Express are direct trains to Puri that run almost all weekdays.
Odds n' Ends
As Puri Rath Yatra is one of the grand festivals of the Hindus, it attracts lots of devotees and tourists from all over the world. Getting a glimpse of the chariots, and pulling the ropes to draw the chariots, is considered very auspicious. Consequently, there is always heavy rush in the grand procession. Although the city’s administration does take all necessary precautions to maintain safety, sometimes it becomes difficult to control the enthusiastic crowd. Many devotees, including children and women, have lost their lives in the stampede, and so avoiding big crowds is always advisable during this festival.
Want a Guide?
- Puri Tour Packages
- Puri Resorts offers great all-inclusive tours, tour packages for Puri, travel options for Puri, Puri holiday offers, holiday plans for city of Puri and tour itineraries for the city of Puri.
- Tours to Puri
- If your Tour to Puri coincides with the Puri festival, you can consider yourself lucky. During this festival you will have the golden opportunity to be a part of a grand fiesta the zest for which grips young and old, resident and visitor.
Places to Eat
- Aquarium Restaurant
- Aquarium Restaurant in Puri provides a truly mind boggling variety of seafood delicacies.
- Phulpatna Restaurant
- Phulpatna Restaurant in Puri is an expertise in the traditional dishes of India, especially recipes of Orissa. he restaurant is located in Toshali Sands Resort, at the land of Kalinga or modern Orissa.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Nilanchal Ashok
- Nilanchal Ashok is one of the famous hotels in Puri, offering breathtaking view of the pristine beaches of Puri. The hotel is in close proximity of Lord Jagannath temple, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites in India.
- Mayfair Puri
- Set in a lush garden enclosure, on the magnificent beach, Mayfair Puri offers travelers a peaceful respite from the city life. The resort has been carefully planned and perfected with natural harmony, to ensure utmost enjoyment and fulfillment.
- Hotel Naren Palace
- Hotel Naren Palace is an elegant hotel situated at Penthakata, the fisherman's village in Puri. With the exotic backdrop of cool blue sea and refreshing coastal greenery, the hotel offers outstanding service and facilities. Hotel Naren Palace is located near Lord Jagannath temple.
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