Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024: Dates and Details
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is one of the most celebrated and significant festivals in India, attracting millions of devotees from across the globe. This grand festival, held annually in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In 2024, the Rath Yatra promises to be an event of immense spiritual fervor and cultural splendor. Here are the key dates and details you need to know about the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024.
Key Dates:
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 7, 2024. This date marks the beginning of the journey of the three deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 kilometers away. The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, is scheduled for July 15, 2024, when the deities return to the Jagannath Temple.
Festival Highlights:
1. Snana Purnima-
The festival preparations begin with Snana Purnima, which falls on June 21, 2024. On this day, the idols of the deities are bathed in 108 pots of sacred water, marking the beginning of the festival rituals.
2. Gundicha Marjana-
This ritual involves the cleaning of the Gundicha Temple, where the deities will stay during the Rath Yatra. Scheduled for July 5, 2024, this event signifies the preparation of the temple to welcome the divine guests.
3. Rath Construction-
The construction of the grand chariots for the deities starts much earlier. The three chariots are elaborately decorated and constructed anew every year. Lord Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosa, is the tallest, followed by Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra.
4. Pahandi Bije-
On the day of the Rath Yatra, the deities are brought out of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession called Pahandi Bije. Amidst the chants, drums, and conch shells, the deities are carried to their respective chariots.
5. Chhera Pahanra-
Before the chariots commence their journey, the Gajapati King of Puri performs the Chhera Pahanra, a ritual where he sweeps the chariots with a golden broom. This symbolizes that even the king is a humble servant of the Lord.
The Journey:
As the chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, the atmosphere is charged with devotion and energy. The journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple takes several hours, with devotees singing, dancing, and chanting the names of the deities. The sight of the massive chariots, adorned with colorful fabrics and flowers, being pulled through the streets of Puri is a spectacle of unmatched grandeur.
Gundicha Temple Stay:
The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days, during which various rituals and offerings are made. Devotees throng the temple to seek blessings and participate in the rituals.
Bahuda Yatra:
The return journey, Bahuda Yatra, on July 15, 2024, is equally significant. The deities make their way back to the Jagannath Temple, stopping at the Mausi Maa Temple for a brief period. This journey is marked by similar rituals and fervor as the initial procession.
Conclusion:
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is not just a festival; it is a manifestation of faith, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. For devotees, it is an opportunity to witness and participate in a divine journey that transcends the mundane and connects them with the divine. The Rath Yatra 2024 is set to be a grand celebration, drawing millions to the holy town of Puri, where spirituality and tradition come alive in the most vibrant manner. Whether you are a devout follower or a cultural enthusiast, the Jagannath Rath Yatra offers a unique and enriching experience that is truly unparalleled.
