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RATH YATRA

23rd June, 2023

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Context

  • Millions of Devotees gather to celebrate, pray, watch and participate in the Jagannath Ratha Yatra procession.
  • Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik started this yatra by symbolically pulling these giant chariots of lord Jagannath and his two siblings.

Other Details

  • In this Yatra wooden chariots of Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra and Lady Subhadra would be approximately 45 feet tall.
  • It starts from 12th century stone temple of Jagannath Puri in Odisha.
  • People dance and celebrate by chanting ‘Haribol’, ‘Jai Jagannath’ along with beating brass cymbals and hand drums

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

  • Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is held on second day of Shukla Pakshya (fortnight after full moon) in Hindu month of Ashada. Hence it generally falls in June or July.
  • It is a nine-day-long festival.
  • This holy annual car festival sees devotees coming from all parts of the world.
  • However mostly there are from Odisha and neighbouring states.
  • This Ratha yatra is considered to be one of the world’s biggest religious processions 

Preparations to Yatra

  • First chariots is swept using a golden handle broom by Puri's titular king. The ritual is known as Chhera Pahanra.
  • Priests sprinkle flowers and fragrant water on Ratha.
  • Before the start of procession many groups of devotes do kirtans and dance in front of these chariots.
  • To symbolically pull the chariots wooden horses are fitted.
  • Administration is on alert and security and traffic arrangements are made for a smooth conduct of procession.

Procession

  • From temple chariot of big brother Lord Balabhadra comes out first which is known as Taladhwaj chariot.
  • Then the chariot, Darpadalan, is of sister Goddess Subhadra is taken out.
  • In the end comes the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Chariot is called Nandighosh.
  • These chariots start from the Singha Dwar of Jagannath Temple and the taken to Gundicha Temple (their aunt’s residence).
  • On fourth day Hera Panchami is celebrated.
  • Finally they return to Main Jagannath temple on tenth day (Dashmi tithi).
  • This returning journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.
  • Puri Shankaracharya oversees the procession. 

Must read Article:

Jagannath temple

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/jagannath-temple-41

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements about Jagannath Ratha Yatra of Puri:

1. It is a week-long festival.

2. The chariot of Lord Jagannatha is known as Nandighosh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (B)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933600