Past Event

SJSUK's Rath Yatra 2022: The Divine Chariot Festival

The oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival in the world, marking the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Event Details

Date

July 2022 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya)

Duration

9-day festival celebration

Celebrated By

Shree Jagannatha Society UK

The Divine Chariot Festival

Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival in the world, celebrated annually on the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). It marks the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the Gundicha Temple (believed to be the deities' aunt's house), approximately 3 km away on the Grand Road (Bada Danda).

History & Significance

Descriptions of the Rath Yatra are found in ancient texts including the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Kapila Samhita. The festival has been celebrated for over a millennium in Puri, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century. European travellers have documented the festival since the 13th century, with vivid descriptions appearing in 17th-century records.

The Rath Yatra's universal appeal lies in its message of equality — during the procession, all devotees, regardless of caste, class, or status, are permitted to touch the ropes and pull the chariots. It is one of the rare occasions in Hindu tradition when deities leave the sanctum to meet their devotees directly.

The Rituals Before the Journey

Snana Purnima

The Grand Bathing — The deities are ceremonially bathed with 108 pots of sacred water drawn from the temple's golden well on the full moon of Jyeshtha. This marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra season.

Anasara

The Sacred Seclusion — After Snana Purnima, the deities fall ill and are secluded for 15 days in the Anasara Ghara, treated with Ayurvedic remedies by Daitapati Sevayats. No public darshan is permitted during this period.

Netra Utsav

The Painting of Eyes — At the end of Anasara, painters ceremonially redraw the eyes of the deities, symbolising their divine rejuvenation and return to full health.

Navajouban Darshan

The Grand Reveal — The deities appear in their renewed, youthful splendour for the first time after seclusion, generating immense excitement among waiting devotees.

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Adhar Pana — The Sweet Offering

Adhar Pana is a special sweet rice drink offered to the deities during the Rath Yatra. This sacred offering symbolises the devotees' love and devotion. The drink is prepared with rice, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices, and is offered in earthen pots. It is believed that partaking in this prasad brings divine blessings and spiritual nourishment to the devotees.

The Three Divine Chariots

Feature	Nandighosha(Lord Jagannath)	Taladhwaja(Lord Balabhadra)	Darpadalana(Devi Subhadra)
Height	44 ft 2 in	43 ft 3 in	42 ft 3 in
Wheels	16 wheels	14 wheels	12 wheels
Wooden Pieces	832	763	593
Canopy Colours	Red & Yellow	Red & Bluish Green	Red & Black
Charioteer	Daruka	Matali	Arjuna
Guardian	Garuda	Vasudeva	Jayadurga
Flag	Trailokyamohini	Unnani	Nadambika
Horse Colour	White	Black	Red
Horses	Shankha, Balahaka, Shweta, Haridashwa	Tibra, Ghora, Dirghasharma, Swarnanava	Rochika, Mochika, Jita, Aparajita
Chariot Rope	Sankhachudha Nagini	Basuki Naga	Swarnachuda Nagini
Accompanying Deity	Madanmohan	Ramakrishna	Sudarshana
Gatekeepers	Jaya & Vijaya	Nanda & Sunanda	Ganga & Jamuna

The Stay at Gundicha: Nine Divine Days

After the seven-day stay at the Gundicha Temple (the Lord's aunt's home), the deities begin their return journey (Bahuda Yatra) to the Jagannath Temple on grand chariots.

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Mausi Maa Temple

On the way back, the deities halt near the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt's abode) and are offered Poda Pitha, a special baked pancake considered the Lord's favourite delicacy.

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Suna Besha

Golden Attire — After reaching back near the Lion's Gate, the deities are adorned in magnificent gold jewellery and ornaments — one of the most breathtaking sights of the entire festival.

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Niladri Bije

The Grand Re-entry — On the 12th day, all deities are taken back inside the Jagannath Temple in the ceremonial Pahandi procession, concluding the Rath Yatra.

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The Legend of Goddess Lakshmi

According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi initially refuses to let Lord Jagannath re-enter the temple, still upset about being left behind during the journey — and the Lord must appease her before regaining entry. This divine drama adds a touch of divine romance to the festival's conclusion.

Nabakalebara — The Sacred Renewal

Every 8, 12, or 19 years, a special ritual called Nabakalebara takes place, where the old wooden idols are replaced with newly carved ones from sacred Neem trees (Daru Brahma).

This extraordinary ritual symbolises the cycle of death and rebirth and attracts millions of additional pilgrims from around the world.