The annual Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, a significant festival in Odisha’s Puri, commenced on June 20. This chariot festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and attracts devotees from all over the country. The festival holds immense religious and cultural importance. Apart from Puri, Gujarat also celebrates the renowned Rath Yatra festival, considered the country’s second largest.
During the procession, thousands of devotees pulled the gigantic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the 12th-century stone temple to their alternate abode, situated approximately 2 kilometres away. The procession was magnificent, with bare-chested men showcasing their strength as they pulled the nearly 45-foot-tall wooden chariots. The event drew a massive crowd, with people eager to witness, touch, and offer prayers during the grand procession.
An interesting fact about the Rath Yatra is that the chariots are constructed afresh every year. Skilled traditional carpenters, without any formal training, meticulously craft these massive chariots. The craftsmen rely solely on their traditional knowledge and expertise to create identical chariots for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. This unique practice showcases the deep-rooted traditions and craftsmanship associated with the festival.